Strong quake in Philippines triggers tsunami warnings and evacuations

People gather, in the aftermath of an earthquake, in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines December 2, 2023. Hinatuan LGU/Handout via REUTERS

MANILA (Reuters) -Evacuations were under way in the Philippines after a quake of at least magnitude 7.5 struck the southern region of Mindanao on Saturday night, triggering tsunami warnings in the country and in Japan, though a U.S. agency said the risk of large waves had passed.

The U.S. Tsunami Warning System, which initially warned of waves of up to 3 metres (10 feet) above the usual high tide level, later said there was no longer a tsunami threat.