Dramatic clips show buildings swaying and crowds fleeing as authorities warn coastal areas to move inland
A powerful earthquake struck off the southern Philippines on Monday morning, shaking Mindanao and triggering tsunami warnings across parts of Asia as residents fled buildings and coastal communities were urged to move inland.
The quake, initially reported by some monitoring agencies and media outlets as magnitude 8.2, was later listed by the United States Geological Survey as magnitude 7.8. It struck shortly before 7:40 AM local time near Mindanao, at a depth of about 35 kilometers.
Videos circulating on social media show buildings swaying, ceilings and walls cracking, debris falling into streets and panicked residents running from homes, shops and offices.
Some clips also appeared to show damaged structures and partial collapses, though officials had not immediately confirmed the full scale of destruction.
Tsunami warnings were issued for several coastal areas following the quake. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said waves of up to 3 meters could be possible along parts of the Philippine coast, with smaller tsunami waves possible in Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, Guam, Papua New Guinea and other western Pacific areas.
Authorities urged people in affected coastal zones to leave beaches, harbors and low-lying areas, and to follow evacuation orders until the tsunami threat had passed.
WATCH: Footage shows a high school building that collapsed following the powerful earthquake that struck the Philippines. pic.twitter.com/XGgbnposCY
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There were no immediate confirmed casualty figures, and damage assessments were still under way. Emergency services were expected to check roads, bridges, ports, power lines and public buildings across affected parts of Mindanao.
The Philippines lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” one of the world’s most seismically active zones, and is frequently hit by earthquakes, volcanic activity and severe storms. Officials warned that aftershocks were possible and advised residents to remain outdoors or in safe open areas until structures could be inspected.
The quake was also reportedly felt in parts of eastern Indonesia, including North Sulawesi and North Maluku, according to early regional reports.
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