Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake Hits Southern Philippines, Triggering Tsunami Warnings; Buildings Collapse, One Dead

A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 struck southern Philippines on Thursday morning, triggering tsunami warnings across the region and causing significant damage.

The earthquake occurred at 7:37 AM local time. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported a magnitude of 7.0 at a depth of 10 km, while the US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a magnitude of 7.8 at a depth of 35 km. The German Research Centre for Geosciences also reported a magnitude of 7.8, with a depth of 50 km.

Following the quake, tsunami warnings were issued for the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan. Philippine authorities ordered the evacuation of coastal areas. In Sarangani province, near the epicenter, electricity and communication lines were severed, according to local officials.

Video footage from the government-run Philippine Information Agency (PIA) showed damaged buildings in General Santos City, including the collapse of a Jollibee fast-food restaurant branch onto the sidewalk. At least one person has been reported dead.

President Marcos urged residents in affected coastal provinces to heed the tsunami warnings. "To our brothers and sisters in the affected provinces, please pay attention to the tsunami warnings," he stated.

“

To our brothers and sisters in the affected provinces, please pay attention to the tsunami warnings.