"People whose houses are very near coastal areas facing the Pacific Ocean are strongly advised to go farther inland," the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said in a bulletin.

It said seismologists were warning that waves of up to a metre (three feet) could hit between 5:00pm and 7:00pm (0900-1100 GMT).

"These waves may continue for hours," it added, saying the first waves may not always be the largest.

"People should not go to the coast to watch the tsunami."

The government gave no estimates of how many of the national population of 94 million were covered by the upgraded tsunami warning. The bulletin included 19 of the country's 79 provinces.

"Owners of boats in harbours, estuaries or shallow water of the above-mentioned provinces should secure their boats and move away from the waterfront," the advisory said.

"Boats already at sea during this period should stay offshore in deep waters until further advised."

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