Powerful 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Philippines, Numerous Homes Destroyed, At Least One Fatality Reported
A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck near the island of Mindanao in the Philippines on Monday morning, resulting in at least one confirmed death. Following the quake, a tsunami warning was issued for coastal areas of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, with waves expected to reach up to three meters high. Power outages have been reported in the affected regions, and residents were urged to move immediately to safer, elevated locations.
May 25, Kathmandu – The strong earthquake that hit the Philippines on Monday morning caused widespread destruction, with many homes collapsing. Initial reports confirm at least one fatality and several injuries. Rescue operations are ongoing, and a full assessment of the damage is yet to be finalized. Numerous areas have experienced disruptions in electricity supply following the quake.
The earthquake occurred near the coastal area of General Santos City on Mindanao island in southern Philippines. It struck at 7:37 a.m. local time (5:22 a.m. Nepal time). Various agencies have reported differing details about the earthquake’s exact intensity and depth.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the earthquake measured 7.0 in magnitude with a depth of 10 kilometers. However, the U.S. Geological Survey reported a magnitude of 7.8 and depth of 35 kilometers. Germany’s Geological Research Centre also indicated the quake had a 7.8 magnitude and depth of 50 kilometers. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an alert warning of tsunami waves potentially as high as three meters along certain Philippine coastal areas.
Authorities have advised residents in coastal regions to immediately relocate to higher ground. Officials reported aftershocks continue to be felt following the main tremor. The Philippines is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, located within the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire,” a zone characterized by frequent seismic and volcanic activity.