Manila : A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern Philippines on Monday, triggering tsunami warnings across the region. 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.
“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.
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.”
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.
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered an immediate government response and suspended classes at all levels in affected areas of Mindanao until further notice.
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