A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern Philippines on Monday, triggering tsunami warnings across the region, forcing coastal evacuations and disrupting power and communications in areas near the epicentre.
The earthquake struck near Mindanao at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), raising concerns over strong ground shaking and tsunami generation. GFZ initially revised the quake's strength from 7.3 to 8.2 before later settling on a magnitude of 7.8.
Authorities in the Philippines, Indonesia and international monitoring agencies quickly issued tsunami alerts, urging people living along vulnerable coastlines to move to higher ground.
"We advise people to evacuate to higher grounds or go further inland," Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) chief Teresito Bacolcol warned.
PHIVOLCS said tsunami waves exceeding one metre above normal tide levels could hit affected coastal areas and continue for several hours. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said waves of up to three metres were possible along some Philippine coastlines, while waves of up to one metre could affect parts of Indonesia and Malaysia.
Indonesia's geophysics agency also issued tsunami warnings for coastal communities in the country's northeast. Smaller waves were considered possible in Taiwan, Japan, Guam, Papua New Guinea and several Pacific island territories.
Authorities in coastal towns across southern Philippines began moving residents away from shorelines as a precaution.
Arlene Hollero, disaster chief of Maasim town in Sarangani province, said evacuations were underway in coastal villages.
"Water receded shortly after the quake, but the seas were normal so far," she said, adding that a bridge suffered cracks and a shrine topped by a giant cross had collapsed. "It's devastating."
While there were no immediate reports of deaths, local officials said assessments were continuing as aftershocks rattled the region.
DZBB radio reported falling furniture, damaged televisions and other household appliances in areas around General Santos City, located close to the epicentre. Residents rushed out of homes and buildings as strong tremors shook the area.
The General Santos disaster office said aftershocks were continuing and authorities were checking reports of damage and injuries.
In nearby Sarangani province, power and telecommunications services were knocked out, while classes were suspended. Disaster chief Rene Punzalan said inspections were ongoing and no building collapses had been reported so far.
Benjie Ancheta, police chief of Alabel town, said cracks appeared in the local police station after the quake struck during a flag-raising ceremony.
"This is the strongest earthquake we've experienced," Ancheta told Reuters, adding that some people fainted during the shaking.
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered an immediate government response and suspended classes at all levels in affected areas of Mindanao until further notice.
"Do not wait. Life is more important than anything left behind," Marcos said, urging residents in vulnerable coastal communities to move to safer locations without delay.
"The national government is moving and we will not leave Mindanao behind," he added, promising that resources were being mobilised for relief and emergency operations.
PHIVOLCS warned that the powerful earthquake could cause significant damage and generate strong aftershocks in the hours and days ahead. The US Geological Survey reported aftershocks reaching magnitudes of up to 6.1.
The quake struck at 7:37 am local time, about 13 kilometres southwest of General Santos City on Mindanao island.
The Philippines and Indonesia sit along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world's most seismically active regions, where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur frequently due to the movement of tectonic plates.
Emergency agencies across the region continued monitoring sea levels and assessing the earthquake's impact, while authorities repeatedly urged residents to remain alert and follow evacuation orders.
