General Santos, Philippines. At least eight fatalities were reported after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Monday, according to the Philippines’ civil defence office. The office said the deaths were still subject to validation.
Tsunami warnings issued
Officials issued tsunami warnings after the earthquake, with alerts issued in the Philippines, neighbouring Indonesia and by the U.S. Tsunami Warning System. People in coastal areas were warned to move to higher ground.
Damage and aftershocks reported
DZBB radio, broadcasting from General Santos, about 15 km from the epicentre, reported falling furniture and damage to televisions and other appliances as the area experienced aftershocks. People left their homes to seek safety.
Assessments under way in affected areas
The General Santos disaster office said aftershocks were still being felt and authorities were assessing reports of damage and some injuries.
In Sarangani province near the epicentre, power and telecommunications were down and school classes were suspended, according to local disaster chief Rene Punzalan. He said a damage assessment was under way and that there had been no reports of collapsed buildings.
Government response
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said authorities were moving quickly to coordinate the disaster response.
“The national government is moving and we will not leave Mindanao behind,” Marcos said in a statement.