MANILA — A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines early Monday, prompting tsunami warnings and evacuations in coastal areas, authorities said.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said the quake struck at 7:37 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located 13 kilometers southwest of General Santos City on the island of Mindanao at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Power outages were reported in some areas, while residents were urged to move to higher ground as a precaution against possible tsunami waves.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) said tsunami waves of up to 3 meters could affect some Philippine coastlines. Waves of up to 1 meter were also possible along parts of Indonesia and Malaysia.
“We advise people to evacuate to higher grounds or go further inland,” PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol said.
The PTWC also warned that smaller tsunami waves could reach Taiwan, Japan, Guam, Papua New Guinea and several Pacific island nations and territories. No tsunami threat was issued for Hawaii or the US mainland.
Residents in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi and North Maluku provinces also reported feeling strong tremors from the earthquake.
The US Geological Survey reported a series of aftershocks, including one measuring up to magnitude 6.1. The agency estimated the earthquake’s depth at 55 kilometers, noting that variations between agencies are common following major seismic events.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or major structural damage.
The Philippines is among the world’s most disaster-prone countries due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The country is also regularly affected by tropical storms and typhoons.
Source: Saudi Gazette