Powerful earthquake jolts Philippines 19 killed; Tsunami alert issued

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of Mindanao Island in southern Philippines on Monday morning, triggering widespread panic, structural damage and tsunami warnings across parts of Southeast Asia.
According to authorities, the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres in the sea near General Santos City. The tremor was felt across several regions, causing buildings to shake violently and forcing residents to flee homes, schools and commercial establishments.
Initial reports indicated that sections of shopping complexes, restaurants and school buildings suffered damage, while videos circulating on social media showed walls collapsing and people rushing to safety. Philippine police said at least 19 people were killed and several others injured, though the casualty toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
Following the earthquake, tsunami alerts were issued for coastal areas of the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that waves of up to three metres could strike some coastlines, prompting the evacuation of thousands of residents to safer locations.
Power supply and telecommunications services were disrupted in several areas, while operations at General Santos International Airport were temporarily suspended after reports of structural damage.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged residents in vulnerable coastal regions to move to higher ground and said national disaster response agencies had been mobilised for rescue and relief operations. The Philippines lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” one of the world’s most seismically active zones, making it highly prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity.