A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the southeastern coast of the Philippines, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). Local authorities warn it could generate dangerous tsunami waves.

The quake struck off the east coast of Mindanao island, about 123 kilometers (79 miles) from Davao, the island's capital, at a depth of 58.1 kilometers (36 miles), according to the USGS. There were no immediate reports of damage.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said a destructive tsunami with life-threatening wave heights was expected and warned people in coastal areas in the eastern and southern Philippines to evacuate. Phivolcs put the quake's magnitude at 7.6.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said damage and aftershocks were expected.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu said dangerous waves were possible within 300 kilometers (186 miles) of the epicenter.

The US tsunami warning system warned that waves of 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) could be expected in parts of the Philippines, while waves of 30 cm (1 to 3 feet) to 1 meter (1 to 3 feet) could be expected off parts of Indonesia and Palau.

The Philippine president has ordered government agencies to facilitate evacuations and provide aid to those in need.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said the government is working tirelessly to ensure aid reaches those who need it. need.

In a statement posted on social media, President Marcos said: "We are assessing the situation on the ground and ensuring everyone's safety. Search, rescue, and relief operations are already being prepared and will be deployed as soon as it is safe to do so."