A powerful earthquake measuring 7.8 magnitude hits the south of Philippines.

Multiple nations have issued tsunami alerts due to the unfolding disaster scenario. The Philippine agency is currently confirming reports of fatalities in the region of Mindanao.

A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 has shaken the southern Philippines, prompting fears that at least 15 lives may have been lost in the disaster unfolding on Monday.

Morning calm was shattered when a powerful earthquake struck the southern Philippines, its impact felt in multiple provinces and even as far as Manado, a city on Indonesia's Sulawesi Island, 420 km distant from the epicenter.

Alerts for potential tsunamis were broadcast in southern Philippines, northern Indonesia, and the Malaysian state of Sabah on Borneo following a powerful earthquake centered approximately 20 km offshore from Mindanao's Sarangani province.

Assessments are underway by Philippine authorities to gauge the extent of damage caused by the powerful earthquake, which has reportedly claimed the lives of 15 individuals and left 129 others injured, primarily due to falling debris in the affected area.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr swiftly mobilized a disaster response in Mindanao, a vast island comparable in size to South Korea, instructing agencies to stockpile emergency aid and establish evacuation hubs.

The president has pledged unwavering support for Mindanao, assuring its people they won't be abandoned.

Eight months on from the Philippines' deadliest earthquake in 12 years, a devastating tremor has shaken the region once more. The latest disaster occurred just off Cebu island, where a shallow 6.9 magnitude quake claimed 79 lives. Two massive quakes then struck Mindanao, with one reaching an unprecedented magnitude of 7.4.

Situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone of intense seismic activity, both the Philippines and Indonesia are frequently hit by hundreds of earthquakes annually. This region spans from South America to the Russian Far East.

Mindanao was hit with multiple powerful aftershocks on Monday morning, according to the Philippine seismology agency's latest reports, including one measuring 6.7 in magnitude.

Assessments are currently being conducted by authorities to determine the full extent of the damage caused.

A video posted online by the local authorities in General Santos reveals the extent of destruction after a massive earthquake hit the city, which has a population of approximately 700,000 residents, leaving a trail of devastation behind it suddenly.

A hospital in General Santos City had to be cleared out as a precautionary measure due to structural damage on upper levels; meanwhile, a university building came crashing down without causing any casualties.

The university's president, Manuel de Leon, recalled taking cover beneath a sturdy table during the intense shaking. Its length provided some sense of security amidst the chaos.

Photos taken by officials in Sarangani province reveal the extent of destruction, with storefronts bearing the brunt of the disaster.

Philippine military disaster response teams have been sent to regions impacted by the crisis.

Children at a local school were caught on camera just after the earthquake hit, with a big group seated on the floor, swaying violently, while others clung tightly to their teachers before rushing out in panic as a temporary shelter crumbled behind them.

During a morning police flag-raising ceremony in Alabel town, a sudden quake caught everyone off guard, leaving some onlookers dizzy.

Ancheta described the quake as the most powerful one they'd ever witnessed.

The Malaysian government stands prepared to offer support to the Philippines under its existing aid commitments.

Malaysia's leader, Anwar, expressed concern for those impacted, hoping they'd find resilience and determination to navigate the challenging times that lie ahead.

Multiple nations are at risk according to the U.S. Tsunami Warning System, which has prompted Australia to issue a warning for potential tsunami waves along its northern shores. Japan's meteorological agency has also issued an advisory following observations of a 0.2 m or lower tsunami, leading to disruptions in ferry services and precautionary beach closures.

Eyewitnesses in Manado, Indonesia, described a powerful quake that shook them intensely. Reports from the scene indicate minimal destruction occurred, as confirmed by Abdul Muhari of Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency.

Residents of North Sulawesi's coastal areas hastily relocated to higher ground as a tsunami warning was issued due to waves reaching up to 0.75 m in certain regions, particularly near the Sangihe Islands.

Residents are hastily relocating to elevated areas, seeking refuge from an impending tsunami threat that looms over the coastal regions.