Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake Hits Southern Philippines, Killing at Least 3; Tsunami Warning Issued

(Central News Agency, General Santos City, Philippines, 8th - Combined Foreign Reports) A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 struck off the coast of Mindanao in the southern Philippines today, killing at least 3 people. The quake caused numerous building collapses and temporarily closed an airport. A tsunami warning has been issued, and aftershocks, including one of magnitude 6.5, have been recorded.

According to the Associated Press, the epicenter was located in the sea south of General Santos City, which has a population of approximately 720,000. Philippine authorities have called on residents in affected coastal areas to evacuate to higher ground.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that a series of strong aftershocks hit the region about two hours after the main quake, with the largest reaching a magnitude of 6.5.

Today was the first day of the school term, but Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared the suspension of classes in affected areas of Mindanao. He also urged residents in coastal areas to evacuate immediately, stating, "Move to higher ground now. Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything you leave behind."

In the coastal town of Kiamba, near the epicenter, approximately 50,000 residents have evacuated to higher ground.

Regional disaster director Agripino Dacera said, "As of now, 80% of residents have evacuated to higher ground," and "All coastal villages have been instructed to proceed to evacuation centers."

Officials stated that the General Santos City airport has also been closed until further notice.

Today's earthquake triggered evacuation alerts in coastal areas of neighboring Indonesia and Malaysia, but the Jakarta meteorological agency later lifted the alerts.