A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake rocked the southern Philippines early Monday morning, causing at least one death and collapsing several buildings in General Santos City as residents rushed into the streets in panic. Tsunami warnings were swiftly issued for coastal areas across the Philippines, with alerts extending to parts of Indonesia and Malaysia.

The quake struck at around 7:37 a.m. local time (5:07 a.m. IST), with its epicentre located about 13-26 kilometres southwest of General Santos City on Mindanao Island. Initial assessments point to significant damage in the bustling tuna-processing hub, home to over 700,000 people.

Strong Tremors Shake Southern Philippines

Residents described the shaking as one of the strongest they had ever felt. Videos circulating on social media showed dust and debris rising from damaged structures, including a partially collapsed Jollibee restaurant and other buildings in the city centre. Power outages plunged several neighbourhoods into darkness, adding to the chaos as people fled homes and offices.

Master Sergeant Robert Dagan of the General Santos City Police reported that multiple buildings were affected. Rescue teams are working to assess trapped individuals amid ongoing operations. In nearby Alabel town in Sarangani province, police chief Benjie Ancheta noted cracks in the station building and said some people fainted from fear during the intense tremors.

Tsunami Warnings Trigger Evacuations

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and local authorities quickly raised alarms. Waves up to three metres were possible in parts of the Philippines, while up to one-metre waves were forecast for certain coastal zones in Indonesia and Malaysia. People in low-lying areas were urged to move to higher ground immediately.

Tremors were also felt in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi and North Maluku regions. Indonesia’s BMKG issued its own warnings, and Japan’s Meteorological Agency released a tsunami advisory for its southern coasts. US agencies confirmed no threat to Hawaii or the Pacific coasts of the United States and Canada.

President Marcos Orders Immediate Response

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed all concerned agencies to prioritise rescue and relief efforts. He emphasised moving residents to safer locations and ensuring swift government support, stating that Mindanao would not be left behind.

Local officials released images showing extensive damage to shops and infrastructure. As of the latest updates, at least one fatality has been confirmed, with reports of injuries emerging from the affected zones.

Aftershocks Raise Fears of Further Damage

Several aftershocks, including magnitudes around 6.1, have rattled the region since the main event. Seismologists warn that such tremors can persist for days or weeks, sometimes matching or exceeding the original quake’s strength and worsening damage to already compromised structures.

Ring of Fire Location Heightens Risks

The Philippines sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly active seismic zone prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity due to tectonic plate movements. The country faces dozens of quakes annually and is no stranger to disasters, compounded by its vulnerability to typhoons.

In October 2025, a 6.9-magnitude quake in Cebu Province claimed 69 lives, serving as a grim reminder of the region’s exposure. Monday’s event ranks among the strongest to hit the Philippines in recent decades.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Rescue operations remain underway in General Santos and surrounding areas, while residents are advised to stay vigilant for aftershocks and adhere to official safety guidelines. The full extent of casualties and destruction is still being assessed as teams reach harder-hit zones.