7.9 Magnitude Quake Jolts Philippines, Triggers Tsunami Alert

A powerful 7.9 magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of the Philippines, some 93 km east of the city of Sulangan, according to the US Geological Survey.

The quake was about 20 miles deep. It is still unclear whether it has caused any damage or fatalities in the Philippines.

It prompted a tsunami warning for parts of Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, Guam and other areas, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.

"An earthquake of this size has the potential to generate a destructive tsunami that can strike coastlines near the epicenter within minutes and more distant coastlines within hours," the tsunami warning center said, as cited by CNN.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre says any wave generated by the quake would be expected to hit Indonesia first.

The tsunami warnings for Japan, Taiwan and Pacific islands including the US state of Hawaii have been already lifted.

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