Powerful Earthquake Kills 15 and Injures Over 120 in the Philippines
At least 15 people have been confirmed dead after a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines early Monday morning. Authorities say at least 129 others were injured as emergency teams continue rescue and recovery operations in affected areas.
The earthquake hit at 07:37 local time near the coast of General Santos City in Mindanao, the country’s main southern island. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, increasing the intensity of the shaking felt across nearby communities.
Residents reportedly rushed out of buildings in panic as strong tremors shook homes, offices, and public infrastructure. Several areas experienced temporary power outages and structural damage, while emergency responders were deployed to assist injured victims and assess the impact.
Following the quake, tsunami warnings were issued in several countries across the region, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan. Most of the warnings have since been lifted after authorities determined that the threat level had reduced.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr confirmed that he has directed all relevant government agencies to respond immediately to the disaster. He urged residents living in coastal and low-lying areas to move to higher ground as a precaution during the emergency response.
The latest earthquake has renewed concerns over seismic activity in the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the Philippines frequently experiences strong earthquakes and volcanic activity due to its location along major tectonic fault lines.
