Daijiworld Media Network – Manila

Manila, Jun 8: At least three people were killed and four others injured after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippine city of General Santos on Monday, triggering tsunami warnings across parts of the Pacific region.

According to reports, the earthquake struck at a depth of 10 kilometres, causing widespread panic and damage in several areas. Authorities said the death toll could change as rescue teams continue assessing the impact of the disaster.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami alert for the next three hours covering parts of the coastlines of the Philippines, Indonesia, Palau, Taiwan and Papua New Guinea.

Officials in both the Philippines and Indonesia urged residents in coastal areas to move to higher ground after tsunami waves of up to three feet were reported along parts of the Philippine coastline.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suspended school classes in affected areas of Mindanao and called on residents in vulnerable coastal regions to evacuate immediately.

"Move to higher ground now. Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything left behind," Marcos said.

In Indonesia, authorities issued tsunami warnings for several regions, including parts of Kalimantan on the island of Borneo and sections of Sulawesi, warning that waves of up to three metres could strike coastal areas.

Videos circulating on social media showed scenes of panic as buildings shook and residents rushed to safety. One widely shared clip appeared to show a shelter collapsing at a school ground where students had assembled. Another video showed people running as part of a building gave way during the tremors.

Authorities in General Santos reported that a section of a building collapsed in the city. Students were evacuated on the first day of the academic year, while hospitals moved patients outdoors as a precautionary measure.

Agripino Dacera, head of disaster management in General Santos, said reports of fatalities were still being verified as officials assessed the extent of damage across the region.

The earthquake also sparked reactions on social media, with users describing it as one of the strongest seismic events to hit the region in recent years and expressing concern for those affected.

Emergency services remain on high alert as authorities monitor tsunami activity and continue rescue and assessment operations in the affected areas.