A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Monday, leaving at least 15 people feared dead and causing widespread damage across multiple provinces, according to initial reports.
The quake hit near Sarangani province, about 20 kilometres offshore, and was felt across a large region including parts of Indonesiaâs Sulawesi island, roughly 420 kilometres away. Authorities said the tremors were strong enough to trigger tsunami warnings in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysiaâs Sabah region.
Philippine officials are still assessing the scale of destruction, with the Office of Civil Defence confirming early reports of fatalities and at least 129 injuries, mostly caused by falling debris and collapsing structures.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered immediate disaster response operations, directing agencies to prepare evacuation centres, relief supplies, and emergency rescue teams across affected areas. âThe national government is moving and we will not leave Mindanao behind,â he said.
The quake struck early in the morning as schools were reopening after a long break, intensifying its impact in populated areas. In General Santos City, a fast-food restaurant building collapsed, sending people fleeing as dust filled the air, while a hospital was evacuated due to structural concerns. A university building also collapsed, though no casualties were reported there.
Authorities said at least nine aftershocks followed, including one measuring magnitude 6.7, further shaking already damaged areas and complicating rescue efforts.
Emergency footage showed widespread panic, including children evacuating classrooms as buildings shook and structures collapsed nearby. Local officials described it as the strongest earthquake experienced in the region in recent years.
Neighbouring countries also felt the impact. In Indonesiaâs North Sulawesi province, residents reported strong tremors and minor damage, while some coastal communities moved to higher ground after tsunami waves of up to 0.75 metres were detected in certain areas.
Japan issued a tsunami advisory, and Australia briefly warned of possible wave activity along its northern coastline, though no major tsunami impact was immediately reported. The US Tsunami Warning System said several countries could potentially be affected as assessments continued.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed readiness to assist the Philippines and extended condolences, while regional disaster agencies remain on alert as aftershocks continue.
The Philippines sits on the Pacific âRing of Fire,â a seismically active zone that regularly experiences earthquakes. Officials warned that damage assessments are still ongoing and the death toll could change as rescue operations continue in remote and heavily affected areas.
