An alert for a possible tsunami has been issued after a powerful earthquake measuring 7.8 struck off the coast of Sarangani in southern Philippines early Monday morning.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded the earthquake and notified that tsunami waves could potentially reach coastal areas between 7:37 a.m. and 9:37 a.m. local time.
A tsunami warning is currently in place for several coastal regions in southern Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago.
The U.S. embassy in the Philippines has advised residents in the affected regions to evacuate to higher grounds or move farther inland for safety.
Philippine authorities have reported that at least 15 people have lost their lives and 129 others have sustained injuries as a result of the earthquake.
According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, there is no immediate threat to Hawaii.
This is an evolving news story, and subsequent updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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