A strong distant earthquake occurred NEAR COAST OF CHILE at 02:34 PM, 27 February 2010 (Philippine Time), located at 36.1 ºS, 72.6 ºW with depth of 55 km and a preliminary magnitude of 8.8. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center sea level monitoring stations confirmed the occurrence of a tsunami.

PHIVOLCS Tsunami Alert Level is now  2.    The concerned public is advised to BE ON ALERT FOR UNUSUAL WAVES. Based on tsunami wave models and early tide gauge records of the tsunami in the Pacific, coastal areas in Philippine provinces fronting the Pacific Ocean are expected to experience wave heights of at most one meter. The first tsunami waves will arrive between 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM 28 February 2010 (Sunday afternoon Philippine time) and may not always be the largest. These waves may continue for hours.

People are advised to stay away from the shoreline during this period. People should not go to the coast to watch the tsunami. People whose houses are very near coastal areas facing the Pacific Ocean are strongly advised to go farther inland.

Boats in harbors, estuaries or shallow coastal water should return to shore. Secure your boat and move away from the waterfront. Boats already at sea during this period should stay offshore in deep waters until further advised.

Coastal areas fronting the Pacific Ocean of the following provinces should keep watch:

Batanes Group of Islands

Cagayan

Northernmost areas of Ilocos Norte

Isabela

Quezon

Aurora

Camarines Norte

Camarines Sur

Albay

Catanduanes

Sorsogon

Northern Samar

Eastern Samar

Leyte

Southern Leyte

Surigao del Norte

Surigao del Sur

Davao Oriental

Davao del Sur