A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 struck the southern region of Mindanao in the Philippines early Monday, triggering tsunami warnings across the country and neighboring nations, including Indonesia and Japan.
The quake occurred at approximately 7:37 a. m.
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local time, with its epicenter offshore near General Santos City in Sarangani Province, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) confirmed the location and immediately issued a tsunami warning for vulnerable coastal regions.
Tsunami Warnings Issued for Multiple Countries
Coastal communities in the Philippines were ordered to evacuate immediately and move to higher ground. The U.
S.
Tsunami Warning System estimated that waves between one and three meters above normal tide levels could affect parts of the country.
Indonesia issued tsunami advisories for portions of its northeastern coastline, while Japanese authorities released warnings covering areas from Ibaraki Prefecture to Okinawa Prefecture.
Officials in both countries began monitoring sea-level changes and activated emergency preparedness measures. The U.
S. National Weather Service stated that no tsunami threat had been detected for Hawaii.
Damage and Response
Images from General Santos City showed extensive damage to buildings, commercial establishments, and public infrastructure. Several structures suffered partial collapses, and emergency crews were deployed to inspect buildings.
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Witnesses reported intense shaking.
Benjie Ancheta, police chief of Alabel town in Sarangani Province, told Reuters that the quake struck during a flag-raising ceremony, causing cracks in the police station and leading to several people fainting from fear.
“This is the strongest earthquake we've experienced,” Ancheta said.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered government agencies to begin emergency response measures immediately. He urged residents in coastal areas to follow tsunami warnings without hesitation.
“To our countrymen in the affected provinces, please heed the tsunami warning. Move to higher ground now.
Do not wait,” Marcos said.
Sarangani Province, home to approximately 580,000 residents, has emerged as one of the most heavily affected areas.
Officials continue conducting damage assessments while monitoring sea conditions and potential aftershocks.
The Philippines lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world's most active seismic zones, which explains the frequent earthquakes in the region.
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Emergency responders remain on high alert as affected communities begin recovery efforts.
