Deadly 7.8 earthquake rocks southern Philippines

The earthquake hit at 7:37 a.m. Monday local time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. At least 32 people were killed and more than 100 injured after multiple buildings collapsed.

A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday morning, shaking the Mindanao region and prompting tsunami alerts across parts of the Pacific, though United States officials said there was no tsunami threat to the U.S. Pacific Coast, including Hawaii.

The earthquake hit at 7:37 a.m. Monday local time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The USGS placed the epicenter 26 kilometers, or about 16 miles, southwest of Kablalan, Philippines, at a depth of 55.2 kilometers, or about 34 miles.

The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center said the earthquake was located near Mindanao, Philippines. The agency listed the earthquake as a magnitude 7.8 event and issued tsunami information for portions of the Pacific following the quake. The earthquake was initially measured at magnitude 8.2 but was later revised to magnitude 7.8.

Photos and videos from General Santos City show several collapsed buildings.

Reuters reports at least 32 deaths have been confirmed from the earthquake as search and rescue operations continue. More than 100 people were injured by falling debris and earthquake damage, according to civil defense officials.

There was no tsunami warning, advisory, watch or threat in effect for the U.S. Pacific Coast or Hawaii, according to the U.S. Tsunami Warning Center. The agency also later said there was no further tsunami threat to American Samoa from the earthquake and that no tsunami impacts were expected there.

"Palau and Yap should listen to latest information from local WSOs," the NWS said.

Several strong aftershocks followed the initial earthquake, according to the USGS, including magnitude 6.1 and magnitude 6.0 earthquakes in the same region within minutes of the main shock. Additional moderate aftershocks were also reported near Balangonan and other areas of the southern Philippines.

All tsunami advisories expired overnight.

Video of a school in Malita shows students fleeing after the earthquake caused a school roof to collapse.

Philippines President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr. said in a statement all schools in Mindanao will be closed until further notice.

"The safety of our children comes first," Marcos said. "(The Department of Education) will coordinate with local government units on this."

The Philippines sits along the seismically active western Pacific, where powerful earthquakes are a recurring hazard. Officials typically caution that aftershocks can continue after major earthquakes and residents in affected areas should follow guidance from local emergency management authorities.

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