Tsunami warnings issued after 7.4-magnitude earthquake in the Philippines

Tsunami warnings were issued for several countries after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the southern Philippines.

It was centred about 38 miles (62 km) southeast of Manay town, in the Mindanao region, at a depth of 14 miles (22km).

At least two people were killed by the earthquake, authorities in the Philippines said. Both victims were from Mati City in Davao Oriental province, they added.

People in coastal areas nearby were urged to go inland or move to higher ground.

The US-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) said waves of up 1-3m (3-10ft) were possible in the region, with the warning also covering Indonesia's Sulawesi and Papua regions.

However, the PTWC and the Philippines Seismology Agency have now both lifted their alerts.

Provincial governor Nelson Dayanghirang Sr told local media at least two people had died in damaged houses, while disaster official Richie Diuyen told Reuters the quake lasted 30-40 seconds.

She said there were reports of damage to homes, roads and bridges.

"We couldn't stand earlier. I am 46 years old now, and this is the strongest earthquake I ever felt. The damage is quite big," she said.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said authorities were assessing the situation on the ground.

"Search, rescue, and relief operations are already being prepared and will be deployed as soon as it is safe to do so," he said.

"We are working round the clock to ensure that help reaches everyone who needs it. Let us continue to look out for one another and pray for the safety of all our countrymen," the president added.

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The quake is among the strongest to hit the Pacific "Ring of Fire" in recent years, an areas that has more than 800 quakes annually.

The Philippines is still recovering from a 6.9-magnitude earthquake on 30 September, its deadliest in more than a decade, which killed at least 74 people and displaced thousands, mainly in Cebu province.

The archipelago is also hit by around 20 typhoons and storms annually.

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