The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, is warning that 3-meter tsunami waves could hit coastal areas in the Philippines.

NOAA also warns of possible 1-meter high tsunami waves in Palau's coastal areas.

Authorities in the Philippines are urging people to be on alert for possible tsunami waves in Mindanao.

They say the first waves could reach land about one hour after an earthquake occurs, and be followed by subsequent ones during the next few hours.

A Japanese man living in Mindanao's central city of Davao said that he sprang out of bed when the room swayed for 20 to 30 seconds.

But he said nothing fell off the shelves.

The Japanese consulate general in Davao says it has not received any reports of damage or injury from Japanese citizens.

Japan's meteorological agency says it has been informed by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii that 8-centimeter tsunami was observed in Davao, 2-centimeter in Legazpi and one-centimeter in Palau's Malakal Island.