A7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the Philippines on Monday, killing several people, injuring at least five and destroying buildings.
The earthquake rocked General Santos City in Mindanao, the Philippines’ main southern island.
Footage of buildings collapsing during the earthquake, as people scramble for safety, emerged on social media in the early hours of Monday.
In a statement, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr confirmed that a destructive magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Maasim, Sarangani, on Monday morning and ordered all relevant government agencies to take immediate action.
“A strong earthquake has struck off the coast of Sarangani this morning, and a tsunami warning is now in effect across several coastal provinces in Mindanao. I have directed all relevant government agencies to act immediately,” the president said.
He also ordered the suspension of classes at all levels in affected areas of Mindanao until further notice.
“The safety of our children comes first. DepEd will coordinate with local government units on this,” the president said.