The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs) placed the provinces of Negros and Cebu under tsunami alert level 2 after a series of earthquakes hit several parts of Visayas before noon today.

Phivolcs said that the quake measured at magnitude-6.9 and was tectonic in origin. It occurred in waters off Negros Oriental at 11:49 a.m. with a depth of 10 kilometers.

“Philvolcs tsunami alert level is now 2. The concerned public is advised to be on alert for unusual waves,” Phivolcs said in its advisory.

The tsunami warning was raised to put on alert the residents in coastal areas, particularly in the eastern portion of eastern Negros Oriental and the western portion of Cebu province.

“People are advised to stay away from the shoreline. People should not go to the coast to watch the tsunami. People whose houses are very near coastal areas in Negros and Cebu islands are strongly advised to be watchful, the agency added.

The Philippine Coast Guard also prevented all sea vessels plying Cebu and Negros provinces from making trips as long as the tsunami alert level was in place.

2011. Philstar Global Corp.