A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 was reported off the coast of the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Saturday night.

The earthquake was followed by a tsunami warning by the  Philippine authorities.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

The US Geological Survey stated that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 32 kilometres around 10:37 PM local time. 

Based on the magnitude and location of the earthquake, tsunami waves may hit the southern parts of the Philippines.  Regions of Indonesia, Palau and Malaysia are also in the danger zone.

Based on the earthquake's magnitude, the resultant tsunami waves maybe 1 metre high. The waves could be higher in enclosed coves, bays and straits, the Associated Press reported.

Residents of the Philippines's southern Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental provinces were asked to vacate their homes immediately to higher ground or move further inland.

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