MANILA: A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake shook the Mindanao region in the southern Philippines early Monday, and a tsunami was possible on some regional coasts. The US Geological Survey traced the epicenter at 24.7 kilometers (15.3 miles) west-southwest of Burias, Philippines, and had a depth of 35 kilometers (22 miles). It struck at 7:37 a.m. Phivolcs, the Philippine agency, said the quake was magnitude 7.0 and warned of damage and tsunami waves above one meter, which could continue for several hours. Indonesia’s BMKG put the quake at a 7.7 magnitude.

A magnitude 7.8 earthquake has shaken part of the southern Philippines, and a tsunami was possible on some regional coasts.

Tsunami warnings project one metre waves will begin to arrive in various regions from 11.30am local time.

The US Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami threat following the earthquake.