Tsunami waves have been recorded along Japan's Pacific Coast after a strong earthquake off the Philippine Island of Mindanao triggered a tsunami advisory.

The advisory is still in effect along Japan's Pacific coastal areas from Kagoshima's Amami and Tokara islands to Chiba Prefecture.

At 4:27 a.m., Japan time, a 40-centimeter tsunami was observed at Yaene on Hachijojima Island.

A 20-centimeter wave was recorded in the prefectures of Kagoshima, Kochi and Wakayama, as well as Kozu-Shima Island.

Smaller waves were also recorded in other areas.
The US Geological Survey says the earthquake struck off Mindanao Island at 2:37 p.m. UTC on Saturday. It registered a magnitude of 7.6.

The USGS says the quake occurred at a depth of 32.8 kilometers.

The Japan Meteorological Agency, or JMA, issued a tsunami advisory for Pacific-facing areas stretching from Miyako Island and the Yaeyama region to Chiba Prefecture.

At 7:00 a.m., the agency lifted the advisory for Miyako Island and the Yaeyama region.

But officials are asking people to remain alert in areas from the Amami and Tokara islands in Kagoshima Prefecture to Chiba Prefecture, as well as the Izu and Ogasawara island chains.
The JMA held a news conference. Officials called on people not to enter the sea or approach the coast until the advisory is lifted as the fast tide flow is expected to continue.

They say tsunami can arrive repeatedly and the height of the waves could rise suddenly.

Authorities in The Philippines say a 64-centimeter tsunami was observed on a remote island in the province of South Surigao, 18 centimeters in the city of Bislig, and 8 centimeters in the province of East Davao on Mindanao. The authorities say, so far, they have received no reports of injuries or major damage.

Tremors with a magnitude of 5 to 6 continue to hit the area. Residents are reportedly continuing evacuations to public facilities.