Powerful Philippines Quake Sparks Tsunami Warnings Across Asia
A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mindanao in the Philippines on Monday morning, causing widespread destruction and triggering tsunami alerts across several Asian countries. The earthquake occurred just before 7:40 AM local time, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake was centered near the island of Mindanao and was followed by multiple aftershocks for more than an hour, as confirmed by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). Authorities reported that the shaking in parts of the Soccsksargen region was “very strong” according to the country’s intensity scale.
One of the most dramatic incidents occurred in General Santos City, where a three-story building housing a Jollibee restaurant collapsed, sending debris and dust scattering. Several other structures also suffered heavy damage, including broken windows and partially collapsed roofs. Officials are still assessing the extent of casualties and destruction.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos announced that emergency response agencies, including the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, were activated immediately after the earthquake. Schools in multiple provinces across Mindanao were closed as a precautionary measure.
Tsunami alerts were issued across the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, and neighboring Pacific regions. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center cautioned that waves up to three meters high could strike coastal areas of the Philippines, while smaller waves were expected in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Authorities urged residents in vulnerable coastal provinces, such as Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi-Tawi, and Sulu, to evacuate to higher ground immediately. Boat owners were advised to move their vessels away from harbors and shallow coastal waters.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency also issued warnings for Okinawa and nearby southern islands, while Indonesia ordered evacuations in parts of northern Sulawesi and Gorontalo province.
Officials continue to monitor sea conditions and aftershocks as emergency teams carry out rescue and damage assessment operations in the affected areas.
