The Philippines has been hit by a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake sparking an urgent tsunami warning.
According to UNESCO, the earthquake struck at 2.37pm and “hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts located within 1,000km of the earthquake epicentre”.
They added: “Government agencies responsible for threatened coastal areas should take action to inform and instruct any coastal populations at risk in accordance with their own evaluation.
“Persons located in threatened coastal areas should stay alert for information and follow instructions from national and local authorities.”
According to the EMSC, the quake occurred at a depth of around 39 miles and struck the island of Mindanao.
Mindanao is located in the southern area of the Philippines and is the second-largest island in the region.
It is the second time an earthquake has struck the region in nearly three weeks. Last month, the area was hit by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake which did not result in an immediate tsunami threat.
The Philippines is vulnerable to earthquakes because it is located on the Pacific’s Ring of Fire, an area known for its prominent volcanic and seismic activity.