A powerful earthquake struck off the southern Philippines on Monday, prompting tsunami warnings across parts of the Philippines and Indonesia as authorities rushed to assess potential damage and casualties.
The quake, measured at magnitude 7.8 by international monitoring agencies, occurred off the coast of Mindanao and was felt strongly across southern Philippine provinces and parts of northern Indonesia. Residents reported intense shaking that sent people fleeing homes, offices and public buildings.
Emergency agencies issued tsunami advisories shortly after the tremor, urging residents in coastal communities to move to higher ground as a precaution. Authorities warned that sea-level fluctuations and potentially dangerous waves could continue for several hours.
Initial reports indicated no immediate fatalities, although local officials said assessments were ongoing and some injuries had been reported. Damage inspections were also underway in areas closest to the epicentre.
In Sarangani province, power and telecommunications services were disrupted, while schools suspended classes as authorities evaluated the impact of the earthquake. Residents reported structural cracks in some buildings and damage to household property caused by the strong shaking and subsequent aftershocks.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said government agencies had been mobilised to coordinate emergency response efforts and assist affected communities across Mindanao.
Local disaster officials said evacuations were carried out in several coastal villages as a precaution against possible tsunami waves. In some areas, residents observed temporary changes in sea levels, while authorities continued to monitor coastal conditions.
The earthquake was also felt across parts of Indonesia, particularly in the northern city of Manado. Indonesian officials reported no significant damage immediately after the tremor but said monitoring efforts remained in place.
Scientists said the earthquake occurred at a relatively shallow depth, which can increase the intensity of ground shaking felt on the surface. The region lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active zones, where earthquakes and volcanic activity occur frequently.
Authorities in both countries urged residents to remain alert for aftershocks and to follow official safety instructions as emergency teams continued damage assessments throughout the affected areas.