KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (KUNA) -- A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off southern Philippines on Friday, killing at least one person and triggering tsunami warnings and coastal evacuations.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said in a statement that the quake hit offshore near Manay, Davao Oriental province, on Mindanao island at a depth of 23 kilometers, after revising its initial 7.6 reading to 7.4.
Additionally, Office of Civil Defense Regional Director Ednar Dayanghirang reported the first fatality in Calapagan, Lupon, where a residential building collapsed.
Also, Governor of Davao del Norte Edwin Jubahib said strong shaking caused panic and damage to some buildings, with early reports of impacts to homes and bridges.
Local authorities along the Davao Oriental coast ordered precautionary evacuations and suspended classes, urging coastal residents to move inland or to higher ground.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center later said the tsunami threat to the Philippines had passed, after earlier projecting waves of 1-3 meters.
The quake is among the strongest in recent years; the Philippines lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" and records more than 800 earthquakes annually. (end) aab.lr