#philippines

Strong 7.8 Quake in Philippines Leaves Multiple Dead, Sparks Widespread Tsunami Alerts A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday morning, leaving multiple people dead and triggering tsunami alerts across several Pacific countries as authorities rushed to contain the unfolding disaster. The quake hit near Sarangani province in Mindanao at a shallow depth, sending violent tremors through towns and cities including General Santos, where buildings collapsed and residents fled into the streets in panic. Emergency officials confirmed fatalities across different locations, including Davao Occidental, South Cotabato and General Santos, while rescue teams combed through debris in search of survivors as aftershocks continued to rattle the region. A second quake measuring 6.1 struck hours later, worsening the damage and intensifying fears among already displaced communities. Preliminary readings from the United States Geological Survey and other agencies showed slight variations in magnitude and depth, as scientists continued to analyse seismic data in real time. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts for several countries, warning that waves could reach coastal areas of the Philippines and parts of Indonesia, Palau, Taiwan and Papua New Guinea within hours. In some coastal zones, waves of more than three metres were considered possible. Authorities ordered immediate evacuations in vulnerable coastal communities, urging residents to move quickly to higher ground as a precaution against potential tsunami impact. Flights were suspended at General Santos International Airport, while schools and public services were temporarily shut down across affected areas as emergency operations expanded. President Ferdinand Marcos called for urgent action and calm, stressing that saving lives remained the top priority as rescue efforts intensified across the region. The Philippines, located along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, frequently exposed to earthquakes and volcanic activity. Neighbouring Japan and other Pacific nations also issued tsunami advisories as monitoring agencies continued to track possible wave developments across the region.

Strong 7.8 Quake in Philippines Leaves Multiple Dead, Sparks Widespread Tsunami Alerts A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday morning,...