7.8-magnitude earthquake hits Philippines, tsunami warning issued for 3 countries

A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of Mindanao island in the Philippines. The USGS said the quake struck shortly before 7:40 a.m. local time on Sunday (June 7). Tsunami warnings have been issued for several countries in Asia following the powerful quake. According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, tsunami waves up to 3 meters high could hit the Philippine coastline.
In addition, there is a risk of waves up to 1 meter high in parts of Indonesia and Malaysia. The US National Tsunami Warning Center said there was no threat to the US coastline from the earthquake. Meanwhile, officials in the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan have issued warnings and advised residents of coastal areas to evacuate quickly.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said residents of coastal areas in nine provinces, including Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi-Tawi and Sulu, should immediately evacuate to higher ground or further inland. A special warning for vessels said boat owners in harbors, estuaries or shallow coastal areas should move their boats away from shore. Boats at sea were also advised to stay in deeper water until further notice.