A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao early Monday, causing significant building damage and triggering tsunami alerts across parts of Asia. The United States Geological Survey reported the quake hit shortly before 7:40 a.m. local time (23:40 GMT Sunday).

The earthquake's intensity and the ensuing tsunami warnings have raised concerns across the region. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) indicated that the initial tremor was followed by numerous aftershocks.

Video footage from General Santos City in Mindanao showed a three-story Jollibee restaurant building collapsing in a cloud of debris. Other reports and images depicted widespread structural damage, including smashed windows and caved-in roofs. General Santos City experienced a "very strong" earthquake, registering a 7 out of 10 on PHIVOLCS's internal intensity scale. Casualty figures are still being assessed.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos announced that emergency agencies, including the Office of Civil Defence and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, have been activated. He urged residents in affected areas to heed tsunami warnings and move to higher ground immediately, emphasizing the importance of life over material possessions. Schools in several Mindanao provinces were closed for the day.

The US-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts for potential tsunami waves reaching up to 3 meters (9.8 feet) in coastal areas of the Philippines. Waves of up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) were also forecast for parts of Indonesia and Malaysia. The first waves were expected to reach the Philippines shortly after the earthquake.

Eyewitness accounts described the terrifying experience. Mary Ann Blanco Rhudy, a Catholic nun from Notre Dame of Dadiangas University in General Santos, was en route to the college when the earthquake struck. She recounted seeing cars swerving erratically and trees swaying violently, narrowly avoiding collisions. Some buildings at her university sustained partial collapses.

Authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and potential impact on coastal communities. The activation of national disaster agencies signals a coordinated effort to manage the crisis, including rescue operations and public safety advisories. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and mitigating risks associated with the tsunami threat.

This event highlights the Philippines' vulnerability to seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. The country experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The government's swift response aims to prevent further loss of life and manage the aftermath of the powerful tremor and potential tsunami.