There is no threat of a tsunami hitting the Philippines after a strong 8.0-magnitude earthquake in Kermadec Islands early Friday, March 5 (Philippine time).
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake occurred at 3:28 a.m., and with a depth of 10 kilometers.
However, Phivolcs said hazardous tsunami waves were possible for coasts located near the earthquake epicenter.
The earthquake, which measured 8.1-magnitude in New Zealand, was the largest in a series of tremors that hit the region over several hours, according to an Associated Press report.
Prior to the 8.1-magnitude earthquake, two quakes measuring magnitude 7.4 and magnitude 7.3 have been also recorded.
The earthquakes triggered tsunami warning systems across New Zealand coasts.