A strong earthquake off the east coast of the Philippines prompted tsunami warnings to be issued for the Philippines, Palau, Taiwan, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and Yap. The epicenter of the 7.6 magnitude earthquake was located about 91 miles from Guiuan, a town on the island of Samar. It struck at a depth of 20 miles around 8:50 p.m. local time on Friday.
Residents of coastal areas were advised to evacuate immediately after the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned the earthquake could “generate a destructive tsunami that can strike coastlines near the epicenter within minutes and more distant coastlines within hours.” The warning was canceled after small waves were produced.
Major damages have been reported in some areas of the Philippines. Officials say the earthquake destroyed several roads and bridges and caused power outages. At least one house collapsed on the main island of Mindanao, killing a woman and injuring a child. No other deaths or injuries have been reported.
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