Magnitude of 7.6 Earthquake hits East of Philippines, Tsunami warning and watches alert

A earthquake of a magnitude 7.6 has occurred east of the Philippines and has the potential to generate a tsunami across the Pacific. Tsunami warnings and watches have been issued for most of the Pacific Rim.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS) the earthquake occurred at 8:47pm local time, estimated 58 miles east of Sulangan, Philippines or 464 miles east-southeast of Manila. The quake originated at a depth of 21.6 miles beneath the surface (tectonic) along the Philippine Sea plate.

Phivolcs said the quake was felt at Intensity IV (moderately strong) in Davao City and Intensity II (slightly felt) in Tupi, South Cotabato and in Koronadal City.

Certain coastal areas of the Philippines, like Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur, were ordered to evacuate due to the tsunami alarm. The earthquake triggered a landslide in Cagayan de Oro that killed one elderly and injured another. "The quake occurred amid a strong rain, so the earth shook loose and there was a landslide," the country's civil defense chief, Benito Ramos, said to The Manila Times.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Warning for Indonesia, the Philippines and Belau. So far, no other occurences like aftershocks have happened.