Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake Hits Philippines: Buildings Collapse, Tsunami Detected Reaching Indonesia

A powerful earthquake recently shook the southern Philippines at 07:37 local time (23:37 GMT). While the exact magnitude and depth remain subject to clarification, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported a magnitude of 7.0 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). However, the US Geological Survey recorded a magnitude of 7.8 at a depth of 35 km, while the German Research Centre for Geosciences noted a magnitude of 7.8 at a depth of 50 km.

Several countries in the region, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan, have issued tsunami warnings. Philippine authorities have ordered the evacuation of coastal areas. Local officials reported that electricity and communications have been disrupted in the coastal province of Sarangani, near the earthquake’s epicentre.

Footage from the government-run Philippine Information Agency (PIA) shows buildings damaged by the earthquake in General Santos City. One video depicts a branch of the fast-food chain Jollibee collapsing onto the pavement. One fatality has been reported. President Marcos stated that tsunami warnings are currently in effect for several coastal provinces in Mindanao, urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and heed all tsunami warnings.