Post by : Shakul

A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of General Santos City in the southern Philippines on Monday morning, leaving at least three people dead and several others injured. The earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, triggered widespread panic across Mindanao and prompted tsunami warnings in several countries across the Pacific region.

Authorities confirmed that at least five people were injured while dozens of commercial buildings suffered varying degrees of damage. Emergency teams were immediately deployed to the affected areas as rescue operations continued amid concerns that additional victims could still be trapped beneath collapsed structures.

One of the most dramatic scenes emerged from General Santos City, where a branch of the popular Jollibee fast-food chain collapsed during the powerful shaking. Images and videos circulating online showed damaged buildings, shattered glass, and frightened residents rushing into open spaces for safety.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported more than 138 aftershocks following the main quake, with magnitudes ranging from 1.3 to 6.7. Officials warned residents to remain alert as strong aftershocks could continue for several days and potentially cause further structural damage.

Tsunami waves were recorded in several coastal areas of Mindanao as well as parts of Indonesia and Palau. The highest recorded wave reached approximately 1.4 meters. While some neighboring countries later lifted their tsunami advisories, Philippine authorities maintained warnings as sea-level disturbances continued to be monitored.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed all relevant government agencies to respond immediately to the emergency. He urged residents living near coastlines to move to higher ground and follow evacuation instructions issued by local authorities. Airports, including General Santos Airport, temporarily suspended operations while safety inspections were carried out.

Disaster response agencies, including the Philippine Red Cross, remain on the highest level of alert as assessment teams continue to evaluate infrastructure damage and provide assistance to affected communities. Authorities have advised people to avoid entering damaged buildings until thorough inspections are completed, emphasizing that public safety remains the top priority.

#Earthquake #Philippines #World News