A 7.8-magnitude earthquake jolted the southern Philippines on Monday, reportedly killing at least five people, collapsing buildings and triggering tsunami warnings across the region, local media reported, citing the US Geological Survey (USGS).
Tsunami waves reaching over 3 meters (10 feet) above tidal level are possible along some Philippine coasts following the massive earthquake that hit just offshore Mindanao island’s Sarangani province, according to the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.
The German Research Centre for Geosciences put the offshore earthquake’s intensity at 8.2.
Authorities are verifying reports of at least five deaths in the southern city of General Santos.
Authorities in the Philippines and Indonesia urged residents in affected coastal regions to move to higher ground immediately.
A powerful 6.1 aftershock hit the area about two hours after the first quake, according to the USGS.
The earthquake damaged several buildings, classrooms and school facilities in parts of Mindanao, forcing class suspensions, airport checks and emergency response operations across affected areas, the local daily Philstar reported.
Classes at all levels in earthquake-affected areas of Mindanao have been suspended.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed government agencies to “act immediately” in disaster response and relief operations.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines temporarily suspended operations at General Santos City Airport following the quake and the tsunami warning issued by Phivolcs.
Japan’s weather agency also issued a tsunami advisory for the Pacific coast of western and eastern Japan.
A tsunami with a maximum height of 1 meter (3.28 feet) could reach Miyako Island and the Yaeyama islands in Okinawa, Kyodo News Agency reported, citing the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The agency urged the public to stay away from coastal areas affected by the advisory until it is lifted.
