Powerful 7.5-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southern Philippines; Tsunami Warning Issued

Manila (The Uttam Hindu) – A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.5 struck the southern Mindanao region of the Philippines on Friday, sending panic across coastal and urban areas. The quake’s epicenter was located about 20 kilometers below the surface of the sea, and the strong tremors forced residents to rush out of homes and offices in fear.

The local agency PHIVOLCS (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology) immediately issued a tsunami alert for coastal regions, urging citizens to move to higher ground. The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center also cautioned that waves could rise within a 300-kilometer radius of the epicenter.

So far, there have been no confirmed reports of major damage or casualties, but emergency response teams have been dispatched to assess the situation. Authorities are inspecting hospitals, roads, and damaged buildings in affected areas.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to deploy additional aid if necessary.

The Philippines is among the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, where several tectonic plates meet. The Mindanao region is particularly vulnerable due to its proximity to multiple active fault lines.

Experts warn that a 7.5-magnitude quake can cause severe structural damage to buildings, bridges, and roads. Since the epicenter was underwater, the risk of a destructive tsunami remains high, especially for coastal and weakly built communities.