7.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southern Philippines, Triggering Tsunami Warnings in Japan and Australia
A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake shook the southern coast of the Philippines early Monday morning, resulting in at least three deaths and five injuries, and prompting tsunami warnings in several countries across the region. Authorities in the Philippines say assessments of the affected areas are ongoing, with the possibility of the death toll rising.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the earthquake occurred at 7:37 a.m. local time at a depth of 10 kilometers. Its epicenter was near the coastal city of General Santos on Mindanao Island, the largest island in the southern Philippines.
Images and videos from the scene show significant damage to buildings. In one instance, a branch of the Jolibee restaurant chain completely collapsed. Further details on the extent of infrastructure damage have yet to be released.
Following the quake, tsunami warnings were issued in the Philippines as well as in Indonesia, Japan, and Australia, although some of these warnings were later lifted. According to the United States Geological Survey, tsunami waves ranging from 3 to 80 centimeters were recorded in areas including Palau, Indonesia, and Davao in the Philippines.
The President of the Philippines has ordered all relevant government agencies to immediately respond to the situation. He has urged residents in high-risk areas to move to higher ground for their safety.
Local officials emphasized that rescue and assessment teams remain on the ground, and additional information regarding damages and the condition of affected individuals will be released in the coming hours.
