Photo: GenSan DEV/REUTERS

A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday, killing at least 32 people, injuring more than 130 others, and triggering tsunami warnings across parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific region.

The quake struck off the coast of Mindanao Island at about 7:37 a.m. local time, with its epicentre located near Sarangani Province. The tremor was felt across large parts of southern Philippines and neighboring countries, causing widespread panic and significant structural damage.

Authorities reported collapsed buildings, damaged roads and bridges, power outages, and landslides in several communities. General Santos City was among the worst-hit areas, with emergency responders conducting search-and-rescue operations in damaged structures.

The earthquake prompted tsunami warnings in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Palau, and parts of Japan. However, officials later lifted the alerts after the threat subsided, though small tsunami waves were recorded along some coastlines.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the immediate deployment of military, disaster response, and humanitarian teams to affected areas, while classes were suspended across parts of Mindanao. Thousands of residents were evacuated as authorities assessed the extent of the damage.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported numerous aftershocks following the main quake and warned residents to remain vigilant as rescue efforts continue. The agency said the earthquake was one of the strongest to hit the country this year.

The Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active zone where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur frequently. Authorities fear the death toll could rise as search teams continue to comb through affected areas and assess damage in remote communities.