Tsunami waves measuring 40 cm (1.3 feet) have been observed on Japan's Hachijojima island, located approximately 290km (180 miles) south of Tokyo. The waves were triggered by a major earthquake that struck Mindanao in the southern Philippines. The Japan Meteorological Agency had earlier warned of waves reaching up to a height of 1 meter (3 feet).

The earthquake, with a magnitude of at least 7.5, prompted evacuation orders for some areas in the Philippines and the southwest coast of Japan. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) cautioned that the waves could hit the Philippines by midnight (16:00 GMT) and continue for several hours, but there were no immediate reports of significant wave damage.

Initially, the US Tsunami Warning System issued a caution that waves up to 3 meters (10 feet) above the usual high tide level could impact certain parts of the Philippine coast. However, it later stated that there was no longer a threat of a tsunami. According to Phivolcs, people residing near the coast in Surigao Del Sur and Davao Oriental provinces were urged to evacuate immediately or move further inland. Boats already at sea were advised to remain offshore in deep waters until further notice.

The earthquake did not cause significant damage, according to Phivolcs. However, aftershocks were expected and precautionary measures were recommended. The area experienced over a dozen aftershocks, the largest of which measured a magnitude of 6.4, as reported by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).

Raymark Gentallan, the local police chief of the coastal city of Hinatuan near the epicenter, stated that power has been knocked out since the earthquake, but no casualties or damage have been reported as of now. Evacuation efforts have been put in place to ensure the safety of residents living in coastal areas.

Earthquakes are common in the Philippines, which lies within the "Ring of Fire," a region known for volcanic activity and seismic events. The EMSC reported that the earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.5, occurred at a depth of 63km (39 miles), while the United States Geological Survey recorded the quake with a magnitude of 7.6 at a depth of 32km (20 miles), happening at 10:37 pm (14:37 GMT).

In conclusion, while the tsunami threat appears to have passed, authorities in both the Philippines and Japan remain vigilant in monitoring the situation and ensuring the safety of affected areas.