A 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the southern Philippines causes 35 deaths, damage and a tsunami

MANILA: The death toll from a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Monday rose to at least 35, with more than 200 injured, as authorities intensified search and rescue operations.

The quake hit about 20 km off Sarangani province early Monday, triggering tsunami warnings across parts of Southeast Asia. Tremors were felt strongly across Mindanao and as far away as Manado in Indonesia's North Sulawesi province.

General Santos City, home to about 700,000 people, was among the worst-hit areas. Residents described the shaking as the strongest they had ever experienced.


"It was the first time I experienced something that strong," said Jojo Calma, a tricycle driver who witnessed the collapse of a building housing a fast-food outlet. "I thought about my children and my niece."

A video released by local authorities showed the structure crumbling as bystanders fled through clouds of dust.

The Philippines mobilised military and disaster-response teams as officials assessed damage across Mindanao. Most casualties were caused by falling debris and landslides, according to civil defence authorities.

Tsunami warnings issued for parts of the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia's Sabah state were lifted more than six hours later. Coastal residents had earlier been urged to move to higher ground.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered an immediate disaster response, directing agencies to prepare relief supplies, evacuation centres and rescue operations.