Two powerful earthquakes have hit the Philippines' second-largest island of Mindanao, prompting initial fears of a potential "destructive tsunami". The US Geological Survey measured the first tremor late on Saturday at 7.6 magnitude, and the one that followed shortly afterwards at 6.4.

In Japan, authorities issued evacuation orders affecting thousands of people. There were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties.

An earthquake that shook the southern Philippines killed at least one person as thousands scrambled from their homes in panic after a tsunami warning.

The death toll from a powerful earthquake in the southern Philippines has risen to three, official tallies showed Monday, as frequent aftershocks send residents fleeing into the streets.

Strong aftershocks from an earthquake that has killed at least three people and a new tremor in southern Philippines are forcing thousands of residents to stay in evacuation centres, disaster officials said on Monday.