At least 35 people were killed and more than 200 injured after a powerful earthquake struck the Philippines on Monday.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
According to Bloomberg, the quake measured 7.8 in magnitude, triggering tsunami warnings, damaging buildings and forcing evacuations in several areas.
Reuters, citing the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), reported that the earthquake was measured at 7.8 magnitude at one of the country's southern islands.
The powerful tremor also generated a tsunami of up to 1 metre (3 feet) that washed ashore along nearby coastlines, officials said. Rescue operations remain under way in several affected areas.
Several videos circulating on social media captured terrifying scenes of buildings collapsing as the earthquake struck. Footage showed structures crumbling into piles of debris, while residents rushed to safety amid panic and confusion.
Also Read: Major 8.2 earthquake hits off Mindanao coast in Philippines; tsunami alert issued
High school and university buildings were among the structures reported to have suffered damage as the strong tremor shook parts of the country.
The earthquake struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, with initial assessments warning of potential damage and hazardous tsunami waves.
