Tsunami alert issued after 7.4 magnitude earthquake hits Philippines

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit the Mindanao region of the Philippines on Friday morning. Following the quake, authorities issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas, reports BBC.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the first tsunami waves could hit as early as 11:43am (local time) and may continue for several hours.

Waves could be over 1 meter higher than normal tides, with the possibility of even larger waves in certain bays and straits, it warned.

PHIVOLCS urged residents in coastal areas to move to higher ground or further inland immediately. Boat owners were advised to secure their vessels, and fishermen were asked to stay near shore.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center also warned that wave heights could reach up to 10 feet in some areas of the Philippines. Additionally, the tsunami could also affect neighbouring countries like Indonesia and the island nation of Palau, where wave heights could exceed 1 meter.