Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake Strikes Off Southern Philippines; Tsunami Warning Issued for Taiwan, Indonesia, Palau Coasts

(Central News Agency, Manila, 8th, Combined Foreign Reports) The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 struck off the southern coast of the Philippines today. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center subsequently issued a warning, alerting that tsunamis could occur along the coasts of several areas, including Taiwan, within the next three hours.

Agence France-Presse (AFP), citing the USGS, stated that the earthquake occurred off the coast of Mindanao Island at a depth of 35 kilometers.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a notice warning that coastal areas of the Philippines, Indonesia, Palau, Taiwan, and Papua New Guinea could experience tsunamis "within the next three hours."

Following the strong earthquake off the coast of the Philippines, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for several areas along the Pacific coast today.

The Japan Meteorological Agency stated that tsunamis of up to 1 meter could be expected in different areas starting from 11:30 AM (10:30 AM Taiwan time). (Editor: Cai Jiamin) 1150608