7.8-magnitude earthquake off Mindanao sparks aftershocks, coastal evacuations and regional warnings
Manila: A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines early Monday, killing at least three people, injuring several others and triggering tsunami warnings across parts of the country and neighbouring regions.
The earthquake struck at around 7:37 am local time off the coast near General Santos City in Mindanao, the country’s main southern island. According to Philippine authorities, the quake originated at a depth of 10 kilometres, prompting immediate evacuation advisories for residents living in coastal areas.
Authorities said at least three people died and five others sustained injuries in quake-related incidents as emergency teams continued rescue and assessment operations in affected areas. Buildings reportedly suffered structural damage, while panic spread in several coastal communities after tsunami warnings were issued.
According to The Manila Times, the offshore earthquake struck south of General Santos City, home to around 720,000 residents, leading authorities to urge people in vulnerable coastal regions to move to higher ground amid fears of tsunami activity.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said tsunami waves were recorded in at least six locations along Mindanao’s southern coast. The waves, observed between 7:42 am and 8:45 am local time, reached a maximum height of about 1.4 metres.
Although tsunami warnings were initially issued in several countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan, most advisories were later lifted. However, Philippine authorities continued to maintain cautionary alerts in some areas as monitoring remained underway.
In a statement, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) are coordinating emergency response operations in the affected areas.
He also directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to preposition relief supplies early and ensure evacuation centers are ready to receive residents who may be affected by the disaster.
The earthquake was followed by a series of strong aftershocks, adding to concerns in already affected regions. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that aftershocks began around two hours after the initial quake, with the strongest measuring 6.5 in magnitude.
Phivolcs later confirmed that a total of 138 aftershocks had been recorded by 11 am local time. Their magnitudes ranged from 1.3 to 6.7, raising fears of additional damage and further disruption.
The Philippines, located along the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire”, frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic activity. Authorities have urged residents to remain alert for aftershocks and comply with evacuation instructions as emergency responders continue relief and monitoring efforts in affected areas.
