MANILA, Philippines, March 11 (UPI) -- Although initial tsunami waves that washed over Philippine coastal communities were within the predicted height, officials warned Friday the threat remains.
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Director Renato Solidum said wave activity would be monitored throughout the night before a decision is made regarding lifting the tsunami alert, ABC-CBN News reported.
Nineteen provinces were under a tsunami alert.
Solidum said people should stay away from beaches because officials still expect strong waves from the tsunami triggered by a monstrous 8.9-magnitude earthquake near Japan.
Solidum said the highest wave was monitored in Baler, Aurora province, was a little more than 2 feet. He said some waves were decreasing in height while some remained the same.
He said the waves weren't life-threatening unless someone was swimming in the surf.
"If you're in the water," he said, "the force and momentum of the (tsunami) wave can pull you away, so avoid the beach."
Owners of boats moored in harbors, estuaries or shallow coastal water in the provinces under evacuation notices were told to secure their vessels and move away from the waterfront.
Albay provincial Gov. Joey Salceda said classes in the province were canceled.
