Early Monday morning, a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook the southern Philippines, particularly affecting the coastal city of General Santos. Known for its tuna processing industry, General Santos is a commercial hub on the island of Mindanao with a population exceeding 700,000. The earthquake’s epicenter was located 13 kilometers southwest of the city, at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Tsunami Warning Issued

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning, indicating that tsunami waves up to 3 meters could impact some Philippine coasts. Smaller waves, up to 1 meter, were anticipated along parts of Indonesia and Malaysia. Teresito Bacolcol, head of the Philippine institute, advised coastal residents to evacuate to higher ground or move further inland as a precaution.

In addition to the immediate impact in the Philippines, the earthquake’s tremors were felt in north-central Indonesia, where tsunami waves of up to 18 centimeters were recorded in North Sulawesi and North Maluku provinces. The U.S. Geological Survey noted aftershocks reaching magnitudes of up to 6.5.

Impact on Local Infrastructure

Reports from DZRH radio station in Manila indicated that a small commercial building in General Santos, where its provincial branch is located, partially collapsed. Fortunately, staffers were able to evacuate to the ground floor without injuries. It remains unclear whether others are trapped in the building’s rubble, as the quake struck before regular office hours.

The Philippines is frequently affected by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” The nation also experiences approximately 20 typhoons and tropical storms annually, making it one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries.

Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.