A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Philippine island of Mindanao, causing casualties and widespread damage and prompting tsunami alerts across parts of the region.
According to the latest reports, at least three people have been killed and five others injured as a result of the quake.
Local police said the strong tremor damaged numerous buildings and business establishments. Preliminary assessments indicate that at least 37 structures have been affected. Rescue teams are continuing search operations to determine whether anyone remains trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
In the wake of the earthquake, authorities in the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan issued tsunami warnings and advisories. Residents in coastal areas were urged to move to higher ground and follow emergency instructions issued by local officials.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that 138 aftershocks have been recorded since the main quake. Several of these aftershocks were relatively strong, raising fresh concerns in already affected communities.
Experts noted that aftershocks are common following a major earthquake, but warned that they can pose additional risks to rescue operations and to buildings that have already sustained structural damage.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as emergency response and damage assessment efforts remain underway.
Source: BBC