Powerful 7.8 Earthquake Hits Southern Philippines, One Killed as Tsunami Alert Issued

Philippines: On Monday morning, the earth shook strongly in Mindanao, the southern region of the Philippines. According to the US Geological Survey, the intensity of the earthquake was 7.8. One person lost his life and four people were injured in this accident. Tsunami alert also had to be issued after the earthquake.

When and where did the earthquake occur?

The tremors were felt around 7:37 am local time. The epicenter of the earthquake was 24.7 kilometers west-southwest of Burias. Its epicenter was reported in the ocean near Mindanao island, 35 kilometers below land.

Which countries are at risk of tsunamis?

After the strong earthquake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an alert. It was said that a tsunami could hit the coastal areas of Philippines, Indonesia, Palau, Taiwan and Papua New Guinea in the next three hours.

Japan has also issued a separate warning for its Pacific coast. According to Japanese officials, waves could reach up to one meter high and hit many parts of the country.

How is the situation in the Philippines?

The government of the Philippines says that it is monitoring the situation and the victims are being helped. But police fear that the damage may increase further as many buildings have collapsed.

"A lot of buildings have been damaged. Can't count right now because rescue is going on. Many buildings and some houses have completely collapsed," Master Sergeant Robert Dagon of the General Santos City Police told AFP.

Video viral on social media

Videos showing the strength of the earthquake are spreading rapidly on X and Facebook. In a video, the entire building is seen collapsing as soon as the earthquake occurs. In the second video, school children are sitting outside in the field out of fear and the teacher is handling them.

Another video from General Santos City showed a Jollibee restaurant in a shopping center reduced to rubble. Someone is heard shouting in the video, "Oh my God, the building has collapsed! It's really collapsed!"

Why do so many earthquakes occur in the Philippines?

The Philippines is situated on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire'. This is the strip spread around the sea where most earthquakes and volcanoes occur. For this reason, the Philippines is counted among the most disaster prone countries in the world.

What's going on right now?

At present, rescue work is in full swing in the Philippines. Teams are rescuing people trapped under the debris. The government has appealed to the people not to pay attention to rumors and people in coastal areas should move to higher places.