REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- An earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale that jolted Mindanao Island in the Philippines on Saturday did not trigger a tsunami in Indonesia, National Disaster Management Agency's (BNPB's) spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho stated.

"There is no tsunami impact on Indonesia following the powerful earthquake in Mindanao Island," the head of the Data Center for Information and Public Relations of the BNPB noted in a short message to Antara here on Saturday.

Reuters reported from Manila that the strong earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao Island, and the country's seismology agency has advised people to stay away from coastal areas, but no major damage is expected.

There were no immediate reports of destruction or casualties, but witnesses said the quake was very strong and shook the ground and walls.

Also read: 7.1-magnitude earthquake jolts southern Philippines

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was a risk of huge waves spreading 300 kilometers, or 190 miles, away from the epicenter, reaching as far away as Indonesia.

However, Nugroho reiterated that there was no tsunami in Indonesia, although the earthquake was quite strong and was felt by the people in Sangihe, North Sulawesi; and in North Maluku.

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