At least 3 killed during powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake in southern Philippines

A powerful earthquake shook the southern Philippines on Sunday, killing at least three people including a 6-year-old girl.

The 6.8 magnitude quake struck 5 km (3 miles) to the south-southeast of Magsaysay, Philippines and collapsed a three-story building, which started a search for people feared to have been trapped inside, officials said.

Residents and rescuers check damaged structures following an earthquake that struck Padada, Davao del Sur province, southern Philippines.(AP Photo)

Matanao Mayor Vincent Fernandez said the two-story town hall was badly damaged by the intense shaking, along with two bridges and several buildings already weakened by previous quakes, according to the Associated Press.

The star marks the location of the earthquake that struck the southern Philippines on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019. (Image/USGS)

The earthquake had a depth of 28.2 km (17.5 miles). Multiple aftershocks ranging in magnitudes from 4.8 to 5.7 have been reported in the area, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Residents across the Mindanao Island of the Philippines reported feeling shaking.

A statement issued by local officials urged everyone "to remain calm but stay vigilant in anticipation of aftershocks."

"All concerned agencies of the government have been mobilized to respond to the present conditions and provide immediate assistance to those in need," officials said.

Residents and rescuers check damaged structures following an earthquake that struck Padada, Davao del Sur province, southern Philippines. (AP Photo)

"The President was in his house in Davao City with his daughter Kitty when the earthquake struck. The First Lady Honeylet Avanceña was on her way home when the ground rumbled and moved. She said the car she was riding in was swaying. They are unhurt," the statement continued.

There are reports of multiple landslides and damaged structures across the region with several individuals trapped in the rubble, according to Philippine Emergency Alerts.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no threat for a tsunami.

Plenty of moisture across the southern Philippines will produce occasional showers and thunderstorms in the coming days as rescue and recovery efforts get underway.

This same area experienced several strong earthquakes in October that led to multiple fatalities and severe damage.