At least 15 people have died after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of the Philippines on Monday, triggering tsunami warnings and forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate.

According to Channels Television, citing AFP, the offshore quake hit south of General Santos, a city with a population of about 720,000. The tremor caused widespread damage, collapsing buildings and prompting emergency rescue operations across affected communities.

The United States Geological Survey reported a series of strong aftershocks following the initial earthquake, with the largest measuring magnitude 6.5.

Videos verified by AFP showed severe destruction in General Santos City, including a shopping centre housing a Jollibee restaurant that was reduced to rubble. A school building in another area also collapsed, though officials said it was unoccupied at the time.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that tsunami waves could affect coastal areas of the Philippines, Indonesia, Palau, Taiwan and Papua New Guinea.

By mid-afternoon local time, authorities confirmed at least 15 deaths. Twelve fatalities were recorded in the Soccsksargen region on Mindanao island, while three others were reported in Davao Occidental province.

Police also reported two additional deaths in Alabel, near General Santos, where victims were crushed by a collapsing wall. Officials said some police stations suffered structural damage, forcing personnel to remain outside affected buildings.

Mass Evacuations

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suspended classes across Mindanao on what was scheduled to be the first day of the new school term.

He urged residents living in coastal communities to evacuate immediately and move to higher ground as a precaution against possible tsunami waves.

In the coastal town of Kiamba, approximately 50,000 residents were ordered to evacuate. Regional disaster officials said about 80 per cent of the population had already moved to safer locations.

General Santos International Airport was also closed until further notice as authorities assessed potential damage.

Regional Impact

The earthquake prompted tsunami alerts in neighbouring Indonesia and Malaysia, although Indonesian authorities later lifted their warning.

In Japan, officials issued tsunami advisories along parts of the Pacific coast. However, waves reaching Japanese shores were reported to be no higher than 20 centimetres.

The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most active earthquake zones. The country experiences frequent seismic activity due to its location along major tectonic plate boundaries.

Recent earthquakes have also caused significant casualties and destruction in the region, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by powerful seismic events.