MANILA, Philippines — A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern coast of the Philippines on Monday morning, leaving at least three people dead and five others injured, local police confirmed.
The major quake hit at 7:37 AM local time, sending violent tremors across a vast region. A tsunami warning remains in effect as authorities continue to record unusual sea-level changes and minor wave activities along the coastline.
According to police reports, the earthquake caused extensive structural damage, affecting at least 37 buildings—the majority of which are commercial establishments. General Santos City, located near the epicenter, bore the brunt of the destruction.
The powerful tremors caused multiple multi-story buildings to collapse and triggered massive cracks in major roads. Videos circulating on social media captured the dramatic collapse of at least two branches of ‘Jollibee,’ a highly popular local fast-food chain, as panicked residents fled into the streets seeking safety.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that at least 16 aftershocks have been recorded so far, ranging in magnitude from 1.3 to 6.7, keeping local residents on high alert.
Meanwhile, Philippine authorities emphasized that the tsunami warning has not yet been lifted. Sea-level fluctuations and minor waves measuring several centimeters high are still being monitored.
The Philippine Red Cross stated that their teams are on maximum alert, actively conducting rescue and relief operations while assessing structural safety in the worst-hit areas. Local administrations have strictly advised coastal and low-lying residents to stay away from beaches and move to higher, safer ground.