Manila, June 08: At least 15 people were killed and more than 100 injured after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday, disaster agency officials said.
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The offshore quake hit near the southern island of Mindanao, triggering tsunami warnings and causing widespread destruction, including collapsed buildings in several areas.
Authorities urged residents in coastal regions to move to higher ground after the quake struck south of General Santos City.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a series of strong aftershocks followed the initial tremor, with the strongest measuring 6.5 magnitude.
Videos circulating on social media showed buildings collapsing in General Santos City, including a shopping centre housing a Jollibee restaurant, while another structure on a school campus crumbled to the ground.
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered an immediate disaster response across Mindanao and directed agencies to prepare relief supplies, evacuation centres and rescue operations.
“The national government is moving, and we will not leave Mindanao behind,” Marcos said in a statement.
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The Philippines frequently experiences earthquakes due to its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”
