Philippines raises tsunami alert in 19 provinces

The Philippines on Friday raised tsunami alerts in 19 provinces on the country’s eastern coast following an 8.9-magnitude earthquake in Japan.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said communities in the provinces covered by the alert levels should be on guard for rising water levels.

Renato Solidum, director of the institute, said no evacuation order has been issued yet.

“Communities in those areas should watch out and wait for additional information in case an evacuation is needed,” he said.