An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 hit southern Philippines on Monday, killing at least three people and causing infrastructural damage.
Philippine authorities have issued tsunami warnings across the region, urging people in affected coastal regions to move to higher ground.
According to the United States Geological Survey, a series of aftershocks measuring as high as 6.5 on the Richter scale, hit the area two hours after the first earthquake.
Videos uploaded on social media and verified by AFP news agency showed the ruins of a shopping centre with a Jollibee fast food restaurant in Genral Santos City. Officials also reported that an unoccupied school building collapsed in the quake.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a notice, cautioning the possibility of tsunami waves “within the next three hours” along the coasts of Philippines, Indonesia, Palau, Taiwan, and Papua New Guinea.
Police Major Roland Catoburan told AFP that two people were crushed to death by a collapsing wall in Alabel, a municipality near General Santos City.
He added that officers were not allowed to re-enter their stations, some of which were now inflicted with cracked walls.
Master Sergeant Robert Dagon of the General Santos City police confirmed another death and four injuries.
“Many buildings were affected, but I cannot enumerate them now because we are busy with ongoing rescues,” said Dagon.
Evacuation warnings issued
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos suspended classes in affected areas of Mindanao island and called for residents in coastal areas to evacuate immediately.
“Move to higher ground now. Do not wait,” said Marcos “Your life is more important than anything left behind.”
According to regional disaster chief Agripino Dacera, 80% of the population of Kiamba, a coastal town near the epicentre, had moved to higher grounds.
“All the villages along the coast were instructed to proceed to evacuation centres,” said Dacera.
Officials confirmed that the airport in General Santos was closed until further notice.
Neighbouring nations on alert
Philippine’s coastal neighbors Indonesia and Malaysia were also issued evacuation warnings after the earthquake. Jakarta’s meteorological agency later lifted its alert.
Japanese authorities also issued a tsunami advisory for its Pacific coast, estimating waves of up to one metre to hit different regions from 11.30 am local time.
