7.8 magnitude quake off Mindanao triggers tsunami warnings across Southeast Asia

At least 15 people were feared dead after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of the Philippines’ Mindanao island on Monday, triggering tsunami warnings across parts of Southeast Asia, according to preliminary assessments by Philippine authorities.

The quake struck early in the morning as schools reopened, with tremors felt across at least a dozen provinces and as far as Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, officials and disaster agencies said.

Tsunami alerts were issued in the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia after the epicentre was located about 20 kilometres off Sarangani province, the Philippine seismology agency said.

At least nine strong aftershocks followed, including one measuring 6.7 magnitude, while authorities continued to assess damage and verify casualty reports.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered disaster response operations in Mindanao, directing agencies to prepare relief supplies, evacuation centres and search-and-rescue teams.

Officials said at least 129 people were injured, mostly from falling debris, while several buildings, including a restaurant and university structures, were damaged or collapsed.

Military and disaster response units were deployed, and neighbouring countries including Indonesia and Malaysia offered assistance as evacuation efforts continued in coastal areas.

Witnesses reported strong shaking in multiple cities, with residents evacuating buildings and moving to higher ground amid ongoing tsunami advisories across the region.

Emergency agencies warned that full damage assessments are still underway as authorities continue monitoring seismic activity in the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Japan issued a brief tsunami advisory, while Australia and other Pacific states monitored potential wave activity but reported no major impacts.

International partners including the United States Geological Survey noted the quake occurred in a tectonically active zone frequently affected by major earthquakes. Authorities urged coastal residents remain alert.