A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 struck the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Saturday. The initial tremor was recorded at 7:37 a.m. local time, followed by a series of aftershocks.

According to CNN, citing officials, the earthquake caused damage in General Santos City and surrounding areas, home to approximately 720,000 people. Among the damaged buildings were schools, as June 8 marked the first day of the new school year in the Philippines.

At least 19 people were killed and over 200 others injured, authorities reported. The Associated Press noted that the quake triggered a tsunami with waves up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) high, causing destruction in coastal areas. AP's death toll estimate stands at least 32.

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered all government agencies to immediately begin evacuations and rescue operations in affected areas.

Marcos also urged Filipinos to heed tsunami warnings. "Evacuate to higher ground now. Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything you leave behind," he emphasized.

The Philippine archipelago lies in a zone of high volcanic and seismic activity known as the Pacific Ring of Fire. During the previous major earthquake on September 30, 2025, at least 69 people died and hundreds were injured in the Philippines.

Source: www.gazeta.uz