Massive Earthquake Strikes Philippines, 75 Tremors In 12 Hours Leave Six Dead And Thousands Affected

International News: Seventy-five aftershocks have been felt in the Philippines over the past 12 hours. A 7.6-magnitude quake struck the sea near the southern island of Mindanao this morning. The 75 aftershocks have occurred since then, including a 6.9-magnitude quake that struck in the evening. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami alert in the morning, but the alert was withdrawn two hours later. The situation is now normal. Six people have died so far due to the earthquake.

The first tremor was reportedly felt in the morning, killing five people. The earthquake also triggered landslides, damaging hospitals and schools. A tsunami alert forced the evacuation of nearby coastal areas. However, the alert was later lifted, and people breathed a sigh of relief. However, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake shook the nation again.

What did President Marcos say?

The head of the Seismological Institute said the quake was caused by a movement at a depth of 10 kilometers in the trench. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said damage was being assessed after the quake. Relief operations would begin when conditions were safe. Two people were killed in a landslide triggered by the quake in a gold mining village in the town of Pantukan in Davao de Oro province, near Davao Oriental. Several others were rescued by the military.

What the Tsunami Alert Center said

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said small waves were observed along the coasts of the Philippines and Indonesia before the threat passed about two hours after the initial quake. Minor sea fluctuations may continue. The chief government seismologist said the tsunami alert was later withdrawn without any large waves being detected.