The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported today that the earthquake occurred off Mindanao island at a depth of 10 km. Both GFZ and the US Geological Survey (USGS) determined the earthquake's magnitude as 7.8, though USGS stated the epicenter was at a depth of 35 km.
A building in General Santos city on Mindanao island, southern Philippines, collapses during the earthquake on 8/6. Video: X/Mario Nawfal
According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, a tsunami could occur "within the next three hours" along the coasts of the Philippines, Indonesia, Palau, Taiwan, and Papua New Guinea.
Japanese authorities issued their own tsunami warning for several Pacific coastal areas, forecasting waves up to one meter high in many regions. Indonesia also issued a warning, requesting evacuation for residents in some northern areas.
Benjie Ancheta, the police chief of Alabel town in Sarangani province on Mindanao island, Philippines, stated that the earthquake struck during a flag-raising ceremony, causing cracks in the police building. Some people fainted.
"This is the strongest earthquake we have ever experienced", Ancheta said.
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Earthquake location. *Graphic: USGS*
In the Philippines, at least one person died and 4 people were injured, with some buildings collapsing.
"Many buildings are affected, but we cannot list details right now because we are busy with rescue efforts. Many buildings and some houses have collapsed", said Sergeant Robert Dagon of the General Santos city police department, Sarangani province.
A scene of panic at a school in General Santos as the earthquake struck. Video: X/Mario Nawfal
Videos on social media showed a shopping center with a Jollibee fast-food restaurant in General Santos city reduced to rubble, while a building on a local school campus also collapsed.
Witnesses in Manado city, northern Indonesia, reported the earthquake was very strong.
The Philippines and Indonesia are countries with complex geological structures located in the "Pacific Ring of Fire", where seismic activity extends from South America to Russia's Far East. Earthquakes occur almost daily in the Philippines.
Huyen Le (According to AFP, Reuters)
