Powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake jolts Philippines, one dies, several houses damaged, Tsunami waves observed, warning issued
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 has struck the southern region of the Philippines.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, reported that the earthquake's epicenter was located 13 kilometers southwest of General Santos City on Mindanao Island.
The earthquake's epicenter is reported to be at a depth of 10 kilometers, and the tremors were felt at 7:37 AM local time.
One dies, several houses damaged, 16 aftershocks recorded
According to initial reports, several houses have been damaged, and one person has died. Several aftershocks have been felt following a strong earthquake that struck off the coast of the southern Philippines at 7:37 AM local time.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, at least 16 aftershocks have been recorded so far, with magnitudes ranging from 1.3 to 6.7.
Tsunami waves were observed
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), following the earthquake, there are concerns about a potential tsunami in some coastal areas of the Mindanao region.
According to Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), tsunami waves were observed at three locations along the country's coast around 7:20 AM local time.
Eaves reaching up to 3 meters could occur
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has warned that waves reaching up to 3 meters in height could occur in some coastal areas of the Philippines, while there is a risk of waves up to 1 meter high along parts of the Indonesian and Malaysian coasts.
The BMKG stated that these waves were observed in Kedi, Ulu Siau, and Melonguane in the North Maluku province. The wave heights ranged from 0.09 meters to 0.19 meters.
Meanwhile, Japan has also issued a tsunami warning.
Japanese officials have warned that tsunami waves up to 1 meter high could reach the country's southern Okinawa islands and prefectures along the Pacific coast by 11:00 AM local time.
Reports of power outages in the Mindanao region have emerged, and people have been urged to move to higher ground.
Subsequently, tsunami warnings were issued for coastal areas of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Meanwhile, tsunami waves have been observed in Indonesia.