Manila, June 08: At least 19 people were killed and many injured after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday.
The earthquake caused several buildings to collapse, and tsunami warnings have been issued for the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, Palau, Papua New Guinea and Japan.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred about 24 kilometers west of Sarangani province on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. The earthquake was so strong that many areas were shaken by the tremors.
According to General Santos City police officials, 19 people have been confirmed dead so far and four injured. They said the death toll is likely to rise as rescue operations are ongoing. Many buildings were damaged, some of which have completely collapsed.
Videos circulating on social media showed a commercial complex in General Santos City completely destroyed.
A building housing a Jollibee fast food restaurant collapsed, while a vacant school building collapsed in another area. Locals were heard shouting in the videos, “Oh my God, the building has completely collapsed.”
A 6.1-magnitude aftershock struck about two hours after the quake, causing further panic among residents. Meanwhile, authorities have warned the public not to go near damaged buildings.
After the quake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that tsunami waves could hit the coasts of the Philippines, Indonesia, Palau, Taiwan and Papua New Guinea within the next three hours. Thousands of people living in coastal areas are being evacuated.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. A state of emergency has been declared and schools in affected areas of Mindanao have been closed. Residents of coastal areas have been advised to immediately move to higher ground.
“Move to safer areas now. Don’t delay. Your lives are most important,” Marcos appealed.
The Indonesian government has also ordered people living in coastal areas of North Sulawesi, Gorontalo and Sangihe islands to move to higher ground.
Japan has also issued a tsunami advisory for its Pacific coast, warning of waves of up to one meter high.
The Philippines is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone regions, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region where earthquakes are frequent due to the movement of the Earth’s tectonic plates. Last year, two earthquakes measuring 7.4 and 6.7 in magnitude struck Mindanao, killing at least eight people.
The previous 6.9-magnitude earthquake killed 76 people and damaged about 72,000 buildings. Now, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake has once again created great fear in the Philippines, and rescue and relief operations are in full swing.