On the morning of June 8, a powerful undersea earthquake of magnitude 7.8 struck the southern Philippines, killing at least 19 people and injuring more than 200. This was reported by the Associated Press.
Eyewitnesses reported strong tremors and panic among people running out into the street.
The tremors led to the destruction of buildings, power outages and partial flooding of the coast due to a tsunami approximately 1 m high.
The epicenter of the earthquake is in the sea off the island of Mindanao at a depth of approximately 33–55 km. The city of General Santos received the greatest damage – there was significant destruction of infrastructure, there were dead, and at least 12 missing. Seismologists have warned of the risk of aftershocks.
The earthquake prompted a tsunami warning, which was later lifted. Small waves were also recorded in Indonesia, Palau and Japan.
Authorities announced the closure of the airport and cancellation of flights. Rescuers are searching for people and eliminating the consequences.
