Philippines Earthquake Latest: At least 15 Dead and over 200 Injured after 7.8-magnitude Quake Hits Coastal City
By Shahana Yasmin
Authorities urge residents to move to higher ground after waves measuring up to 3ft hit parts of the country’s southern coastline
A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Monday morning, killing at least 15 people and injuring more than 200 as tsunami warnings triggered evacuations across coastal communities.
The quake hit at 7.37am local time near General Santos at a depth of 10km, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Aftershocks of up to magnitude 6.5 were later recorded by the US Geological Survey.
Tsunami waves of up to one metre (3ft) were monitored in parts of Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani provinces, while the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that waves of up to three metres (9.8ft) were possible along some Philippine coastlines.
Indonesia and Malaysia also issued tsunami alerts for coastal areas.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr urged residents in vulnerable coastal areas to move to higher ground, warning people not to wait. “Your life is more important than anything left behind. The national government is moving and we will not leave Mindanao behind,” he said.
Local media reported debris falling from buildings in General Santos, while officials in nearby Sarangani province said power and telecommunications had been disrupted and evacuation efforts were under way in coastal communities.
