Powerful offshore quake triggers tsunami warnings across multiple countries.
Image: Reuters
MANILA: At least 15 people are feared dead after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Monday, triggering tsunami warnings across the region.
The quake hit early in the morning near Sarangani province, with tremors felt across more than a dozen provinces and as far as Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, about 420 km away.
Philippine authorities said 129 people were injured, mostly from falling debris, while officials are still verifying the reported fatalities.
Tsunami alerts were issued in the southern Philippines, northern Indonesia, and Malaysia’s Sabah state after the powerful offshore quake.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered an immediate disaster response, directing agencies to deploy relief supplies, set up evacuation centres and prepare rescue operations.
“The national government is moving and we will not leave Mindanao behind,” he said.
Strong aftershocks followed the main quake, including one measured at magnitude 6.7, according to the Philippine seismology agency.
Damage reports include a collapsed restaurant building in General Santos City and cracks in a hospital, which led to evacuation of patients. A university building also collapsed, though no one was inside at the time.
Witnesses described panic as the quake struck during morning activities, with some buildings shaking violently and people rushing outdoors for safety.
The Philippines military has deployed disaster response teams, while neighboring Indonesia reported minor damage and evacuations in coastal areas due to tsunami risk.
Tsunami advisories were also briefly issued in Australia and Japan, where small wave activity was recorded.
Authorities across the region continue to assess damage as aftershocks and evacuation efforts continue.
