Tsunami warning for Philippines and Indonesia after 7.4-magnitude earthquake

Warnings of possible hazardous waves within 300km of the quake’s epicentre were issued after the powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck

A tsunami warning has been issued for the Philippines and Indonesia after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the Mindanao region this morning

The Philippines seismology agency has issued an alert about potential damage and aftershocks following the powerful tremor that struck the southern island.

The US Tsunami Warning System and Philippine seismology agency both issued tsunami warnings, saying hazardous tsunami waves were possible for coasts located within 300km (186 miles) of the earthquake’s epicentre.

The earthquake was recorded by monitoring group USGS as being located 20-miles east of the major regional city of Davao, which has a population of nearly two-million people. The quake hit at a depth of 62km (38.53 miles).

Residents in the southern Philippines have been issued an urgent tsunami warning in the aftermath of the 7.4M earthquake. The warning reads: “Based on the local tsunami scenario database, it is expected to experience wave heights of more than one metre above the normal tides and may be high on enclosed bays and straits.

“It is forecasted that the first tsunami waves will arrive between 9.43am and 11.42am PST, October 10. These waves may continue for hours.”

Residents from Eastern Samar to Sungao Del Sur are being “strongly advised to immediately evacuate,” with officials urging people to find higher ground and move inland. Neighbouring Indonesia also issued a tsunami warning for its regions of North Sulawesi and Papua, according to its geophysics agency.

Officials have issued a dramatic evacuation order, strongly advising residents in coastal towns across central and southern Philippines to immediately evacuate to higher ground.

Both the Philippines and Indonesia attract significant numbers of international tourists each and every year thanks to their stunning beaches and landscapes and immersive culture.

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