Powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake strikes Philippines, tsunami warning issued

A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Mindanao, Philippines, on Monday, prompting tsunami warnings in the Philippines and Indonesia. Authorities warned of waves exceeding one metre, potential damage and aftershocks, while coastal residents in affected areas were urged to evacuate immediately.

In Short

• Tsunami warnings issued for the Philippines and Indonesia coasts
• Evacuation advised for coastal communities in southern Philippines
• Quake depth shallow at 10 km, raising tsunami risk

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale struck Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Monday, prompting tsunami warnings across parts of the Philippines and Indonesia and triggering evacuation advisories for coastal communities.

According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres, increasing the risk of significant ground shaking and tsunami generation. GFZ initially estimated the quake's magnitude at 7.3 before revising it upward to 8.2. It was later revised to a 7.8 magnitude.

Following the earthquake, the US Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami threat alert, warning that hazardous waves could affect coastlines in the region. Indonesia's Geophysics Agency subsequently issued tsunami warnings for coastal areas in the country's northeast, urging residents to remain vigilant and follow official instructions.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) warned that tsunami waves exceeding one metre above normal tide levels could strike affected coastal areas. Authorities strongly advised residents in several southern Philippine provinces to immediately evacuate to higher ground or move further inland.

PHIVOLCS also cautioned that the powerful quake could cause significant damage and generate strong aftershocks in the coming hours and days.

Emergency agencies across the region are monitoring sea-level conditions and assessing the impact of the earthquake, while authorities continue to urge residents in vulnerable coastal areas to remain alert and follow evacuation orders.

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he has directed all government officials to act immediately following the powerful earthquake and ordered the suspension of classes at all levels across affected areas in Mindanao until further notice. Urging residents to follow tsunami warnings, Marcos appealed to people in vulnerable coastal areas to move to higher ground without delay, saying, "Do not wait. Life is more important than anything left behind." He also assured residents that the national government was mobilising resources and pledged that "we will not leave Mindanao behind."

- Ends