A powerful earthquake struck southern Philippines early Monday morning, prompting a tsunami warning. Neighboring countries in the region, including Indonesia and Japan, have also issued alerts and taken precautionary measures in response to the tsunami threat. Following the main quake, at least 16 aftershocks have been recorded. Videos have emerged showing residents evacuating their homes and heading to safer areas.
According to the Reuters news agency citing officials, at least five people have died. Earlier reports had confirmed one fatality. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.8, with its epicenter located 10 kilometers below the surface. The German Research Centre for Geosciences noted the quake’s magnitude as 7.8 and a depth of 50 kilometers. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) also measured the earthquake at magnitude 7.8 with a depth of 35 kilometers.
The President of the Philippines has ordered “all government agencies to take immediate necessary steps.” He urged residents in tsunami-affected areas to move to higher ground for safety. The USGS reported tsunami waves as high as three feet have been observed in parts of Indonesia. The earthquake’s epicenter was located offshore near General Santos City on Mindanao, the Philippines’ main southern island, which is known for its fishing industry.
