Panicked locals watched as a wave of water approached the shore following a magnitude 7.1 quake in the Philippines.

Footage shows the sea water flooding towards coastal homes and a bridge in La Union, the Philippines on July 27.

The phenomenon happened two hours after a powerful earthquake jolted the region.

Resident Joren Mina, who was in a car when the phenomenon was spotted, said: ‘I think the beaches are not safe at this moment. People should be asked to return to their homes, especially tourists.'

The province is a popular surfing hotspot which attracts tourists for its beaches that produce big waves.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office raised tsunami warnings in coastal areas and evacuated affected residents. However, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology clarified that there were no tsunami threats in the country.

The destructive earthquake killed at least four and injured dozens after the tremors collapsed buildings and homes early today.