A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia's Flores region early Saturday, damaging homes and public facilities and prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning across parts of the country.

The shallow undersea earthquake was recorded at 5:58 a.m. local time, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred at a depth of around 10 kilometres, with its epicentre located approximately 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province.

Authorities had reported no immediate casualties at the time of the initial updates, although several buildings were damaged. The strong tremor was followed by multiple aftershocks, raising concerns about further structural damage in affected areas.

Tsunami Warning Issued

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency issued a tsunami warning covering parts of East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi and Southeast Sulawesi.

Residents living along vulnerable coastlines were urged to move to higher ground and stay away from beaches and riverbanks.

Officials were also monitoring coastal tide gauges for possible changes in sea levels following the undersea earthquake.

Buildings Damaged in Flores

The earthquake was strongly felt across large parts of Flores Island. Initial reports indicated damage to residential buildings and public infrastructure, although authorities had not immediately provided a complete assessment of the destruction.

Residents described scenes of panic as people rushed towards higher ground after the tsunami warning was issued.

Yohanna Embu, a resident of Sikka in East Nusa Tenggara, said several structures were damaged by the intense shaking. She also reported damage at the Pelni port terminal in Maumere, where part of the waiting room reportedly collapsed.

Emergency officials continued assessing the situation as aftershocks were recorded in the region.

Shallow Quake Raises Concern

The earthquake's relatively shallow depth increased the risk of strong surface shaking and potential damage in nearby coastal areas.

Authorities urged residents not to return to coastal locations until official instructions indicated that it was safe to do so.

The situation remained under close observation as emergency teams assessed affected communities and monitored the possibility of additional aftershocks or changes in sea levels.

Indonesia Lies on Ring of Fire

Indonesia is among the world's most earthquake- and volcano-prone countries. The archipelago consists of more than 17,000 islands and lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area marked by active tectonic boundaries, volcanoes and frequent seismic activity.

The country's location makes major earthquakes a recurring threat, particularly for communities living along its extensive coastline.

Authorities are expected to continue providing updates on casualties, structural damage and tsunami conditions as assessment and monitoring operations continue.

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing more than 130 people and injuring over 570 others, as rescuers continued searching collapsed buildings for survivors.

The earthquake struck shortly after 7:30 am local time, with the epicentre reported near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region. Strong tremors were felt across several parts of Colombia, including Bogotá, as well as in neighbouring Ecuador and Venezuela.

Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as emergency teams reach areas that remain difficult to access and continue assessing damaged structures.

Three Floors Collapse at Cali Hospital

One of the most serious incidents occurred at Hospital Universitario del Valle in Cali, where around 30 per cent of the facility's infrastructure was reportedly damaged.

Three floors of the hospital collapsed, affecting sections used for pediatrics, internal medicine and parts of the neonatal unit.

Valle del Cauca Governor Dilian Francisca Toro said people were trapped inside the damaged structure. Firefighters, soldiers and civilian volunteers joined the rescue operation, using debris-removal equipment and forming human chains to move rubble.

Several survivors were rescued from the hospital during the initial hours of the operation, including four people pulled from the collapsed sections.

However, aftershocks complicated the rescue effort and increased risks for emergency personnel working inside damaged structures.

Patients Evacuated From Hospital

Parts of the hospital were declared unsafe following the structural damage. Medical teams subsequently moved patients to temporary treatment areas in gardens and parking lots around the facility.

Patients were evacuated using beds and wheelchairs, while those requiring specialised care were transferred to other hospitals across the Valle del Cauca region.

The damage has added pressure to Cali's healthcare infrastructure at a time when hospitals are already dealing with a large number of earthquake-related injuries.

Health Network on Red Alert

At least seven major healthcare facilities in Cali reportedly sustained significant structural damage, with some hospitals forced to suspend services.

Authorities placed the city's medical network on red alert as emergency departments reached capacity.

Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder said the immediate priorities were rescuing people trapped under rubble and maintaining essential medical services.

The earthquake also caused extensive damage to residential and commercial properties. At least 30 buildings in Cali were reported to have suffered major structural collapses.

National Emergency Declared

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national state of emergency following the earthquake.

The emergency declaration is intended to accelerate the deployment of resources, funding and military assistance to the worst-affected areas.

The regions of Valle del Cauca, Risaralda and Chocó were among those reporting the most serious damage.

In a televised address, de la Espriella said the government would provide assistance to affected communities and coordinate the emergency response.

The declaration also allows authorities to streamline disaster-relief operations as rescue teams continue working in areas with damaged infrastructure.

US Announces $15.5 Million Assistance

International support has also begun reaching Colombia.

The United States announced $15.5 million in emergency humanitarian assistance for the earthquake response.

The assistance is expected to support urban search-and-rescue operations, structural assessments and emergency medical facilities, particularly in locations where hospitals have been damaged or overwhelmed.

The international response is expected to complement the efforts of Colombian soldiers, firefighters, medical workers, volunteers and other emergency personnel.

Rescue Operations Continue

Search-and-rescue teams remained deployed across the affected regions as authorities assessed the full scale of the destruction.

Rescuers are using specialised equipment as well as manual methods to search collapsed buildings for people who may still be trapped.

Officials have cautioned that the final impact of the earthquake may not be immediately known because several areas remain under assessment.

For emergency teams, the priority remains locating survivors, treating the injured and securing damaged structures against further collapses as aftershocks continue.

The Colombian government is expected to conduct further assessments of critical infrastructure, including hospitals, roads and other essential facilities, as the disaster-response operation continues.

A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture has once again highlighted why the region remains one of the most seismically active zones in the world. The shallow quake has killed at least 13 people, injured hundreds and caused widespread damage to infrastructure, prompting large-scale rescue operations across central Kyushu.

Experts say Kumamoto's vulnerability stems from a unique combination of active fault lines, tectonic plate movement, volcanic activity and soft geological formations that amplify earthquake shaking.

Powerful Quake Causes Heavy Damage

The earthquake struck at 4:27 pm JST on July 28 with its epicentre near Uto City at a shallow depth of about 10 kilometres. Several areas, including Uki, Hikawa and Kumamoto City, experienced some of the strongest shaking recorded on Japan's seismic intensity scale.

The disaster damaged roads, disrupted rail services, caused power outages affecting tens of thousands of households and forced the suspension of flights at Kumamoto Airport while safety inspections were carried out.

Rescue teams, firefighters and personnel from Japan's Self-Defense Forces continue search operations for people trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

Why Kumamoto Experiences Frequent Earthquakes

Geologists explain that Kumamoto lies in one of Japan's most complex tectonic regions.

Japan is located at the meeting point of four major tectonic plates—the Pacific Plate, Philippine Sea Plate, Eurasian Plate and North American Plate. Near Kyushu, the Philippine Sea Plate continuously moves beneath the Eurasian Plate, generating enormous geological stress.

Unlike many other earthquake-prone areas, Kumamoto is also situated within the Beppu-Shimabara Graben, a large rift zone where the Earth's crust is actively stretching. This continuous movement creates frequent fractures and releases energy through powerful shallow earthquakes.

Active Fault Network Increases Risk

Scientists have linked the latest earthquake to the Hinagu Fault Zone, part of the well-known Futagawa-Hinagu fault system.

These faults are relatively shallow, meaning earthquakes originate just a few kilometres beneath the surface. Because seismic waves have very little distance to travel before reaching populated areas, the shaking becomes significantly stronger than in deeper earthquakes.

The same fault network was responsible for the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence, which caused extensive destruction across the region.

Volcanic Activity Adds to Seismic Instability

Kumamoto's location near Mount Aso, one of the world's largest active volcanic calderas, further increases geological instability.

Underground magma and superheated fluids circulate beneath the area, reducing friction along fault lines. Scientists believe these hydrothermal systems can make faults more likely to rupture when tectonic stress builds up.

Although earthquakes do not necessarily trigger volcanic eruptions, the interaction between volcanic systems and active faults contributes to the region's heightened seismic activity.

Soft Soil Amplifies Ground Shaking

Another factor worsening earthquake impacts is the geology of the Kumamoto Plain.

Large parts of the region consist of volcanic ash, loose sediments and water-saturated soil deposited over thousands of years. When seismic waves pass through these softer layers, they slow down but increase in intensity, leading to stronger ground motion.

This phenomenon also raises the risk of soil liquefaction, where saturated ground temporarily loses strength and behaves like a liquid, causing buildings and roads to sink or tilt.

Japan's Preparedness Continues to Evolve

Following previous major earthquakes, including the 2016 Kumamoto disaster, Japan significantly strengthened its disaster preparedness measures.

Modern buildings incorporate advanced seismic-resistant designs, bridges and railways have been retrofitted, and earthquake early warning systems automatically halt trains and industrial operations when strong tremors are detected.

Authorities are also closely monitoring aftershocks using Japan's nationwide seismic observation network while engineers assess damage to critical infrastructure.

Despite these preparations, experts warn that Kumamoto's unique geological setting means the region will continue to face a high risk of powerful earthquakes in the future.

The death toll from the powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture has climbed to 13, as rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Authorities have warned residents to remain alert for strong aftershocks and possible landslides over the coming week.

Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the rescue operation as "a race against time" and said all available emergency resources had been mobilised to assist affected communities.

The earthquake struck around 20 kilometres south of Kumamoto City on Kyushu Island, causing widespread structural damage, power outages and disruption to transportation networks across the region.

Massive Evacuation Underway

Authorities have ordered nearly 260,000 residents to evacuate to temporary relief centres across Kumamoto Prefecture as a precaution against aftershocks and landslides.

More than 36,000 households remain without electricity, while soaring temperatures of around 34°C have raised concerns about heat-related illnesses among displaced residents staying in emergency shelters.

Emergency officials have urged people to avoid damaged buildings and remain prepared for additional seismic activity.

Mall Explosion Claims Two Lives

Rescue workers continued operations at a partially collapsed shopping mall where an explosion, suspected to have been caused by a gas leak, occurred about an hour after the earthquake.

Eight people were rescued from the debris, but two women in their twenties lost their lives in the blast.

Authorities said around 20 to 30 mall employees remain unaccounted for, and search operations are continuing.

Investigators are examining whether damaged gas infrastructure triggered the explosion following the quake.

Infrastructure and Industries Hit

The earthquake caused extensive damage to roads, disrupting traffic and emergency access in several parts of Kumamoto Prefecture.

Several passengers travelling on Shinkansen bullet trains sustained injuries during the powerful tremors, while rail services were temporarily suspended for safety inspections.

Industrial operations also suffered major disruptions.

At a Nippon Paper Industries factory, a chimney collapse left seven workers missing and seriously injured four others.

Major companies including Honda and Tokyo Electron suspended operations at local facilities, while semiconductor manufacturer TSMC temporarily evacuated employees before gradually resuming limited operations later in the day.

Hospitals Overwhelmed

Medical facilities across the affected region are treating dozens of injured people as emergency services struggle to cope with the influx of patients.

One hospital near the epicentre reportedly continued functioning despite losing electricity, operating under emergency conditions similar to a field hospital.

Another medical facility suspended new admissions after receiving 86 injured patients within a short period.

Authorities have deployed additional medical teams to assist hospitals facing increased pressure.

Japan on High Alert

The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that strong aftershocks may continue over the next several days and advised residents to stay away from unstable slopes due to the heightened risk of landslides.

No abnormalities have been reported at nearby nuclear facilities following the earthquake, according to Japanese regulators.

A Nation Familiar with Earthquakes

Japan is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates converge.

The country experiences nearly 20% of the world's earthquakes measuring magnitude 6.0 or higher.

Kumamoto itself witnessed a devastating earthquake in 2016, which claimed 275 lives, injured thousands and caused widespread destruction, leading to stricter building standards and disaster preparedness measures.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as rescue efforts remain focused on locating survivors trapped under collapsed structures.

Power supply disrupted to more than 48,000 homes as authorities assess damage; train services suspended for safety checks

A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's southwestern Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, injuring more than 40 people, damaging infrastructure and disrupting electricity to over 48,300 households. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) also issued a tsunami advisory following the strong tremor before authorities began monitoring coastal areas.

According to the JMA, the earthquake struck at a depth of 10 kilometres near the coastal city of Uto in Kumamoto Prefecture. The quake was recorded at the highest Level 7 on Japan's Shindo intensity scale, indicating extremely strong ground shaking capable of causing significant structural damage.

Homes lose power, roads and buildings damaged

Authorities said the earthquake caused extensive damage in several parts of Kumamoto, with roads developing large cracks and sections of walls collapsing. Parts of the historic Kumamoto Castle's stone walls were also damaged by the powerful tremors.

Power utility Kyushu Electric Power reported that electricity supply was interrupted to more than 48,300 homes, adding that restoration work had begun immediately.

Emergency teams were deployed across the affected region as officials continued assessing the full extent of the damage.

Tsunami advisory and aftershock warning

Following the earthquake, the JMA warned that tsunami waves of up to one metre could reach parts of Japan's southwestern coastline.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to stay away from coastal areas and remain alert for possible aftershocks. She said the government had established an emergency task force to monitor the situation, coordinate rescue efforts and collect information from affected districts.

Authorities have also cautioned people against returning to damaged buildings until safety inspections are completed.

Transport services temporarily suspended

As a precautionary measure, Shinkansen bullet train services and several local railway operations across Kyushu were temporarily suspended to allow engineers to inspect tracks and related infrastructure.

The Japanese Defence Ministry deployed aircraft to conduct aerial surveys of the affected region and assist local authorities in assessing the impact of the earthquake.

Meanwhile, Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed that inspections at three nearby nuclear power plants found no abnormalities, easing concerns over any nuclear-related emergency.

Japan's high earthquake risk

Japan remains one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where four major tectonic plates converge.

The country has one of the world's most advanced earthquake preparedness systems, developed after devastating disasters such as the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, which triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster and claimed more than 15,000 lives.

Officials have advised residents in Kumamoto and neighbouring areas to remain vigilant as strong aftershocks remain possible over the coming days.

Venezuela has confirmed that the death toll from last month's devastating twin earthquakes has risen to 5,069, as the country begins a massive reconstruction effort backed by $346 million in emergency funding released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck within a minute of each other on June 24, causing widespread destruction in the coastal state of La Guaira, about 40 kilometres northeast of the capital, Caracas.

Over 5,000 Lives Lost

National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez announced that the confirmed death toll has reached 5,069, with the worst devastation reported in La Guaira, where entire neighbourhoods suffered extensive damage.

Authorities said the number of injured remains at 16,740, with most patients having already been discharged from hospitals following weeks of emergency medical treatment.

Search, recovery and damage assessment operations have continued across the affected regions since the disaster struck.

IMF Releases Emergency Funding

The Venezuelan government also announced that it has accessed $346 million from the IMF to support relief, rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez said the funds would be used to accelerate reconstruction in the earthquake-hit regions and restore critical infrastructure.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva confirmed that the institution had facilitated Venezuela's access to its own reserve resources for urgent humanitarian needs through its reserve tranche mechanism.

Thousands Remain Displaced

Despite ongoing relief operations, nearly 20,000 people remain displaced after losing their homes in the earthquakes.

Many survivors are currently living in temporary shelters and overcrowded relief camps, where authorities continue to face challenges in providing adequate drinking water, sanitation facilities and essential healthcare services.

Humanitarian agencies have warned that rebuilding damaged communities is likely to take several months.

IMF Relations Resume

The latest funding reflects a significant shift in Venezuela's relationship with international financial institutions.

Venezuela holds approximately 3.568 billion Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) at the IMF, equivalent to around $5.1 billion.

Access to these resources had remained restricted for years due to international recognition disputes involving the country's political leadership.

Earlier this year, the IMF and the World Bank resumed engagement with Venezuela following major political developments that reshaped the country's relations with international institutions.

Reconstruction Challenges Ahead

The earthquakes caused extensive damage to homes, roads, public buildings and essential infrastructure across northern Venezuela, particularly in coastal communities.

Government agencies have prioritised restoring electricity, water supply and transportation networks while continuing to assess long-term reconstruction needs.

Officials say the newly released IMF funds will help finance emergency housing, infrastructure repair and humanitarian assistance as Venezuela begins recovering from one of the deadliest natural disasters in its recent history.

The survivor, identified as Hernán Gil, was rescued after emergency personnel detected signs of life beneath nearly 140 tonnes of concrete and debris. Officials described the operation as one of the most technically challenging rescue missions carried out since the earthquakes devastated parts of the country. According to rescue workers, Gil had remained trapped inside the ruins for more than a week before his faint cries for help were heard during a search operation on Sunday. Allan Madrigal, a paramedic with the Costa Rican Red Cross, said he initially believed he had imagined the sound and asked a fellow rescuer to confirm it before teams launched an intensive effort to reach the trapped man.

Gil, who worked as a security guard, was on duty inside a small reinforced concrete security booth in the basement parking area near the Galerias Playa Grande shopping mall in Catia La Mar when the earthquakes struck. Rescue officials believe the concrete structure shielded him from the collapsing debris and played a crucial role in his survival. Medical teams supplied Gil with water and intravenous fluids while rescue personnel carefully removed debris to prevent further collapse. Emergency responders from Venezuela were joined by specialists from Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Portugal and the United States during the complex rescue operation.

Rescuers established visual contact with Gil after inserting a small camera through a narrow opening in the rubble. They later provided him with a protective face mask and safety goggles to minimise dust exposure while excavation work continued. Marco Antonio Franco of the Mexican Red Cross said Gil remained calm throughout the rescue effort and regularly communicated with emergency personnel. According to rescuers, he even requested specific flavours of hydration drinks while waiting to be freed.

A Chilean firefighter involved in the mission described the operation as the most technically demanding rescue he had ever participated in, citing the unstable debris and confined working conditions. Meanwhile, authorities said the death toll from the twin earthquakes has climbed to nearly 2,300. Thousands of people are still reported missing, while rescue and recovery teams continue searching damaged buildings in the hope of finding more survivors. Emergency response agencies remain deployed across the affected regions as humanitarian assistance and relief operations continue. Officials have said search efforts will continue despite increasingly difficult conditions at several collapsed structures.

The 7.5 magnitude quake is the strongest to hit the country since 1900; international rescue teams are being deployed as acting president declares a state of emergency.

At least 164 people have been confirmed dead and nearly 1,000 injured after two powerful earthquakes — measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude — struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, reducing buildings to rubble and triggering widespread panic across the capital and coastal regions.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who announced the death toll on Thursday, described the situation as a "true tragedy." The number of casualties is expected to rise significantly. A website tracking missing persons has listed over 7,380 people as unaccounted for as of Thursday afternoon.

The first quake struck about 160 km west of Caracas at a depth of 13 km. Less than a minute later, a second, stronger tremor of 7.5 magnitude hit near Morón at a depth of just 10 km. The shallower depth meant more intense ground shaking, causing severe damage across a wide area.

This is Venezuela's strongest earthquake event in 126 years, surpassing any since the magnitude 7.7 quake of 1900.

La Guaira Becomes 'Disaster Zone'

The port city of La Guaira, north of Caracas, has been the worst-hit area. Officials said at least 15 buildings collapsed there, with rescue teams continuing to search for survivors. Acting President Rodríguez described the area as a "disaster zone."

In Caracas, several residential buildings collapsed, including a five-flat structure in the San Bernardino district. The Chacao municipality reported four building collapses and at least one death, with 30 other structures deemed structurally compromised.

Rescue workers have pulled several survivors from the debris. Three children were rescued alive from a collapsed building in La Guaira. In the Baruta municipality, search operations were completed after three people were confirmed dead in the Las Minas de Baruta parish.

Internet Disrupted, Gas Supply Cut

Internet connectivity across Venezuela dropped to 59% of normal levels shortly after the quakes, according to monitoring group NetBlocks. The disruption, linked to power outages and infrastructure damage, has hampered information flow from affected areas.

Venezuela's interior minister said gas supplies were temporarily cut off as a precaution while authorities assess damage to prevent gas-related accidents.

The Simon Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía sustained significant damage and remains closed. Schools have been ordered closed nationwide, with some buildings being converted into relief shelters.

USGS Warns Death Toll Could Cross 10,000

The US Geological Survey has issued a red alert — the highest warning level — estimating that fatalities could range between 10,000 and 100,000. The agency puts a 44% chance that the death toll exceeds 10,000 and a 30% chance it surpasses 100,000.

The estimate is based on the earthquake's magnitude, depth, ground shaking, population exposure, and comparisons to similar past events. The final toll will depend on factors like building quality and the time of day the quake struck.

International Response Pours In

US President Donald Trump pledged "a whole-of-government response" to the disaster, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying it will be "big, fast, and effective."

Several nations have offered assistance:

- El Salvador: 300 rescuers and 50 tonnes of equipment ready for deployment

- Germany: Six A400M military transport aircraft on standby

- Switzerland: 80 rescue workers and 18 tonnes of equipment being sent

- EU: Copernicus satellite surveillance activated

- UN: Specialist rescue teams certified by the UN are en route

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and said India stands ready to assist in every possible way.

A City in Shock

Luis Alejandro Ruiz Garcia, a 25-year-old Caracas resident, described scenes of devastation. He received a Google earthquake alert moments before violent shaking cracked a wall in his home. "When we went downstairs, it looked like something out of a horror movie. We had to climb over the rubble from the building. You could hear the banging and the screams of people calling for help."

Another resident, Maria Alejandra, told Al Jazeera: "The walls had fallen, the bars were broken. I only saw one family make it out."

The earthquake struck in the evening, and rescue teams have been working through the rubble all night. The government has declared a nationwide state of emergency.

Japan Also Hit by 6.9 Magnitude Quake

In a separate development, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Japan's northeastern coast. Authorities reported no tsunami threat and no major damage or casualties so far. Bullet train services between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori were temporarily suspended as a precaution.

3.8 magnitude tremor felt late evening in Chichwani and Chhitapura; no damage reported, agencies logged event

A late-evening earthquake measuring 3.8 on the Richter scale rattled parts of Kessla block in Narmadapuram district on Monday, briefly worrying residents though no injuries or structural damage have been reported.

Felt across villages
Initial reports and local residents said the tremor was felt in Chichwani and nearby Chhitapura village, around 9:38–9:39 pm IST. “I was sleeping on the terrace when I felt a short but sharp vibration — it felt like the house shook for a few seconds,” said a resident of Chhitapura who requested anonymity. Several other villagers told reporters they stepped out briefly before returning inside when they found nothing broken.

Seismic data and timing
According to updates on the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and National Centre for Seismology (NCS) websites, the event was recorded at 9:39 pm IST on 8 June 2026. The epicentre was logged at latitude 22.367°N and longitude 77.688°E, with a focal depth of about 10 km. The measured magnitude of 3.8 places the tremor in the light category, which typically produces noticeable shaking but rarely causes significant damage.

Official responses
Local officials confirmed receipt of initial information. “We received reports of a tremor in the Kessla block. There are no immediate reports of casualties or damage,” said Nilesh Sharma, SDM of Narmadapuram, adding that teams had been asked to check vulnerable structures and report any incidents. A member of the Janpad Panchayat, Santosh Sallam, said he visited affected habitations late on Monday to reassure residents and gather details.

Ground-level reactions
Several villagers described a momentary rush of alarm. “People came out of their homes and stood on the road for some minutes,” a shopkeeper in Chichwani said. Many returned indoors when they saw no visible cracks or fallen objects. Social media posts from local users circulated short clips and messages about the shaking, but those posts contained no evidence of damage.

Why magnitude matters
Seismologists say quakes around magnitude 3–4 are common in tectonically active parts of India and usually felt locally. “A magnitude 3.8 event at a shallow depth like 10 km can be clearly felt by people near the epicentre. Structural damage is unlikely unless buildings are already weakened,” an earthquake researcher not connected with the event told this newsroom. The central Indian region has a mixed seismic profile, with most damaging quakes historically concentrated in other zones, though isolated shallow tremors are possible.

Checks underway
Local administration and panchayat officials said they were performing a quick assessment of public infrastructure — schools, health centres and older masonry houses — to ensure there were no hidden damages. “We have asked gram sevaks and patwaris to report by morning. If anything is found, we will act immediately,” the SDM said. No emergency services were mobilised overnight.

Public advice
Authorities reminded residents of basic safety steps: move to open spaces if you feel shaking, avoid standing under heavy fixtures, and check for gas leaks or electrical faults after tremors. The NCS and IMD continue to update their earthquake bulletins online and through official channels.

Context and outlook
While the tremor caused momentary alarm, its light magnitude and shallow depth explain why the shaking was noticeable but not destructive. The district administration will continue routine checks, and seismological agencies will monitor for any aftershocks, although aftershock probability following small quakes is generally low. Residents said normal life resumed by early Tuesday morning, with many sharing a mild sense of unease but no calls for evacuation.

7.8-magnitude Philippines earthquake injures 134, triggers evacuations and aftershocks; tsunami wave up to 1.4m recorded

A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Mindanao early Monday, killing at least 32 people, injuring 134 and collapsing several commercial buildings, officials and local reports said. The temblor — one of the strongest to hit the Philippines in recent years — also produced tsunami waves measured at up to 1.4 metres (about 4.6 feet) and prompted mass evacuations along coastal areas.

Quake and immediate impact
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred at 5:07 am Indian Standard Time with an epicentre located roughly 35 km beneath the surface near Mindanao. Initial reports and local officials said shops, offices and other commercial structures sustained heavy damage in cities and towns near the epicentre, and some buildings collapsed.

Philippine authorities put the confirmed death toll at 32 but cautioned the figure remained provisional pending verification by the national disaster agency. “Fatalities are still being validated,” a spokesperson said. Local civil defence offices reported at least seven people missing and 134 injured as rescue teams moved into the hardest-hit areas.

Tsunami alerts and waves
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded tsunami activity in six Mindanao locations, with the highest sea surge reaching 1.4 metres. PHIVOLCS later lifted tsunami alerts for southern provinces after an extended observation period found the disturbances too small to cause further damage, the agency said in an advisory.

Neighbours briefly issued warnings. Indonesia and Malaysia raised tsunami advisories for some coastal sectors, and agencies including Japan’s meteorological service and the US tsunami warning system issued alerts for parts of the wider region. Most regional warnings were withdrawn within hours as wave heights diminished and risks receded.

Aftershocks and ongoing danger
By 11 am local time PHIVOLCS had logged 138 aftershocks ranging from magnitude 1.3 to 6.7. Officials warned that strong aftershocks can continue for days and may further damage already weakened structures, complicating rescue operations. “Aftershocks remain a serious concern,” a disaster-response official said, urging people to avoid unstable buildings.

Ground reports and local response
Scenes from General Santos City and neighbouring provinces showed people rushing into the streets at dawn, with power outages reported in parts of the city. Regional authorities published photographs showing cracked walls, damaged shopfronts and a partially collapsed police station in Alabel town, Sarangani province.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered immediate evacuations in coastal zones and suspended classes across parts of Mindanao. He directed government agencies to begin relief and search-and-rescue operations, the presidential office said. Tens of thousands of residents were reported moving to higher ground in the hours after the quake.

Why the Philippines is vulnerable
The Philippines sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an arc of intense seismic and volcanic activity that stretches across the Pacific Basin. Tectonic plate movements make the country prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and it also faces about 20 typhoons annually. The recent disaster follows a deadly October 2025 quake in Cebu that killed dozens and injured many more.

Humanitarian and infrastructure concerns
Rescue teams are prioritising trapped and injured people while assessing damage to roads, communications and power lines that hamper response efforts. Local hospitals reported a surge of patients; medical teams are triaging injuries and preparing for possible increases should aftershocks trigger new collapses.

What comes next
Authorities said search-and-rescue operations would continue through the day and formal casualty verification would be completed as teams reach isolated areas. Phivolcs and disaster-response agencies urged residents to stay clear of damaged structures and to heed evacuation orders. International monitoring agencies will continue to track aftershocks and any further sea-level changes.

Related coverage will follow as officials release verified casualty lists and more details on the scale of infrastructure damage and relief measures.

5.2-magnitude quake jolts Guangxi, two dead and thousands evacuated

Earthquake in Liuzhou damages buildings, prompts mass evacuations and ongoing rescue operations

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region early Monday, killing two people, collapsing several buildings and forcing more than 7,000 residents in Liuzhou to evacuate, authorities said. Rescue teams continued searches in the hours after the tremor while officials inspected transport links and infrastructure for damage.

Immediate impact
According to provincial emergency management officials, the quake hit in the pre-dawn hours near Liuzhou city. Initial reports said 13 buildings collapsed and one person remained missing; four others were hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries. Local news outlets said the two fatalities were confirmed late morning after search teams recovered victims from damaged structures.

Evacuations and shelter
More than 7,000 people were evacuated from the most affected neighbourhoods of Liuzhou, the city government said. Municipal authorities set up temporary shelters in community centres and schools, providing basic supplies and medical attention. Social media posts from residents in the area described panicked evacuations in the early hours, with families leaving homes barefoot and children clutching belongings.

Timeline and ground cues
Residents reported feeling strong shaking for several seconds around 3:30am local time, followed by aftershocks that kept people outdoors for hours. “My apartment shook so hard the lights went out,” a local resident told state media. Emergency services said aftershock activity continued through the morning, complicating rescue work and inspections of unstable buildings.

Infrastructure checks
Railway and transport officials dispatched inspection teams to check tracks and bridges on key routes serving Liuzhou. Authorities warned of possible delays as lines were examined, though state reporting added that power, water, gas and major road links were functioning normally in most parts of the city. Telecommunications providers reported largely intact mobile and landline services, helping coordinate relief.

Rescue operations
Search-and-rescue teams from Liuzhou and neighbouring prefectures were mobilised, with heavy machinery brought in to clear rubble where collapses occurred. Local hospitals activated emergency protocols to treat those injured, while volunteer groups delivered blankets and food to shelters. Officials cautioned residents to avoid damaged areas to let responders work and to follow directives from emergency personnel.

Official response and statements
Provincial authorities convened an emergency meeting early on Monday to coordinate relief and damage assessment. “Rescue operations are ongoing,” a provincial emergency management spokesperson said in a brief statement carried by state media. No detailed cause was provided beyond standard geological explanations; seismological agencies said the quake was likely the result of shallow crustal fault movement common to the region.

Background on seismic risk
Guangxi is not among China’s most seismically active provinces, but earthquakes do occur periodically in southern China due to complex interactions between tectonic blocks. Seismologists say shallow, moderate-magnitude quakes can still cause substantial local damage if they strike populated areas with vulnerable buildings. The China Earthquake Networks Center usually issues rapid assessments after such events to guide relief.

Public safety and precautions
Local authorities urged residents to stay calm, avoid entering structurally compromised buildings and follow official evacuation routes. Hospitals posted advisories for non-critical patients to defer visits where possible to keep capacity for trauma care. Schools in the worst-hit districts were closed for inspections, with decisions on reopening to be made after structural checks.

What happens next
Teams are conducting a fuller damage assessment and compiling lists of displaced residents needing longer-term shelter. Railway inspections will determine whether any services must be suspended or speed-restricted for safety. Seismologists will monitor aftershocks and release updates as data comes in.

The quake’s human toll and disruption underline the challenges cities face when moderate seismic events strike built-up areas. For now, relief and search operations remain the priority as authorities work to account for the missing and stabilise damaged sites.