Powerful 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Philippines; Tsunami Warning Issued for Parts of Indonesia

New Delhi. Strong earthquake tremors were felt on Mindanao Island in the Philippines on Monday morning. The magnitude was measured at 7.8 on the Richter scale. Following this powerful jolt, a tsunami warning has been issued for parts of the Philippines and Indonesia. Authorities have advised residents in coastal areas to immediately move to safe, higher ground.

According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences, the earthquake’s epicenter was at a depth of just 10 kilometers. Fears of significant damage in the affected areas were raised following such intense tremors. Although the magnitude was initially measured at 8.2 on the Richter scale, the German agency later revised the figure to 7.8. Because the epicenter was very close to the surface, the tremors were felt with great intensity. Panic ensued as soon as the strong shaking was felt, and people rushed out of their homes toward open spaces for safety.

Following the earthquake, the US Tsunami Warning System issued an alert indicating a tsunami threat, warning that hazardous waves could impact the region’s coasts. Subsequently, Indonesia’s geophysics agency issued a tsunami warning for the country’s northeastern coastal areas, urging residents to remain vigilant and follow official instructions.

Warnings have been issued that tsunami waves exceeding one meter in height could strike the affected coastal areas. Officials have advised residents in several provinces of the southern Philippines to immediately move to higher ground.

It has also been warned that the powerful earthquake could cause significant damage and that strong aftershocks may occur in the coming hours and days. Emergency agencies across the region are monitoring sea levels and assessing the impact of the earthquake. Earlier on Sunday, strong earthquake tremors were felt in several countries, including India. Measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale, the tremors were felt in India as well as in Nepal, China, and Bhutan. In India, the impact was observed in parts of Assam and Bengal. The epicenter of the earthquake was in Bhutan.