Philippines Devastated by 7.8 Magnitude Quake, Tsunami Warnings Issued

Authorities in Philippines and Indonesia urged residents to move to higher ground immediately as a tsunami up to 3 feet hit some Philippine coasts. | World News

Image source: Internet

At least 19 people have been reported dead and over 200 injured after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern city of General Santos in the Philippines on Monday.

A second earthquake of magnitude 6.1 hit the area about two hours after the first quake, triggering tsunami warnings across the region.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suspended school classes in affected areas of Mindanao and called on residents in coastal areas to evacuate immediately.

Tsunami warnings were issued for parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan, with waves of up to three meters expected in some areas.

Visuals show buildings collapsing and turning into rubble following the earthquake, with a shopping centre and school building reduced to rubble in General Santos City.