Buildings collapse after powerful quake and tsunami warning in Philippines (VIDEOS)

A powerful earthquake struck off the southern Philippines on Monday morning, shaking Mindanao and triggering tsunami warnings across parts of Asia as residents fled buildings and coastal communities were urged to move inland.

The quake, initially reported by some monitoring agencies and media outlets as magnitude 8.2, was later listed by the United States Geological Survey as magnitude 7.8. It struck shortly before 7:40 AM local time near Mindanao, at a depth of about 35 kilometers. The earthquake was followed by a series of strong aftershocks, including one measuring up to magnitude 6.1.

At least one person was killed and four others were injured in the earthquake, according to local authorities, as damage assessments continued across southern Philippines.

Videos circulating on social media show buildings swaying, ceilings and walls cracking, debris falling into streets and panicked residents running from homes, shops and offices.

Other clips show damaged structures and partial collapses, as emergency services were deployed to inspect roads, bridges, ports, power lines and public buildings in affected areas of Mindanao.

“Many buildings were affected, but I cannot enumerate them now because we are busy with ongoing rescues,” Master Sergeant Robert Dagon of the General Santos City police told AFP, adding that several structures, including homes, had collapsed

The police station in Alabel town, Sarangani province, was damaged during the tremor, which struck as officers were taking part in a flag-raising ceremony, the local police chief told Reuters

Tsunami warnings were issued for several coastal areas following the quake. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said waves of up to 3 meters could be possible along parts of the Philippine coast, with smaller tsunami waves possible in Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, Guam, Papua New Guinea and other western Pacific areas.

Authorities urged people in affected coastal zones to leave beaches, harbors and low-lying areas, and to follow evacuation orders until the tsunami threat had passed.

The Philippines lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” one of the world’s most seismically active zones, and is frequently hit by earthquakes, volcanic activity and severe storms. Officials warned that aftershocks were possible and advised residents to remain outdoors or in safe open areas until structures could be inspected.

The quake was also reportedly felt in parts of eastern Indonesia, including North Sulawesi and North Maluku, according to early regional reports.

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