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Last Updated: Mar 11th, 2011 - 15:30:48 |
Philippines officials have demanded evacuation orders for thousands of residents living and working near the country's eastern coast. The evacuation orders came on the heels of the 8.9-magnitude earthquake in Japan.
Philippine Volcanology and Seismology Institute director Renato Solidum says the first 3-foot high waves are expected to hit the northernmost Batanes islands by 5 p.m. (09:00 GMT). The tsunami alert is at a level 2.
Officials said at least 4,000 residents living in high-risk areas are undergoing evacuation.
"Every 10 minutes we get updates on possible signs that tidal waves are happening in the areas. So far wala pa naman," Batanes Rep. Henedia Abad told ABS-CBN News Channel.
Electricity and running water remain uninterrupted in the province. He urged residents to remain calm and listen to evacuation orders.
"We are calling on the public to stay calm and to keep our efforts organized," President Benigno Aquino III said in a message issued over the telephone from Singapore where he was on a state visit.
