Earthquake in the Philippines

Civil Defense: At least 15 dead after the earthquake

The head of the Civil Defense in the city of General Santos, Rod Sosmeña, was out driving when the strong earthquake struck 13 kilometers off the coast of the Philippines. He tells the AP that the whole car shook, and that he thought he had a flat tire.

– People ran out of their houses and into the streets, he says.

At least 15 people have died as a result of the earthquake. More than 200 people have been injured, mainly in buildings that collapsed or were damaged in the quake.

The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.8 and serious tsunami warnings were issued at an early stage. Just over five hours after the quake, the warnings had been toned down.

Strong earthquake off the coast of the Philippines

Several countries have warned of a tsunami risk after a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 occurred off the coast of the Philippines. Waves over one meter high have hit parts of the coastline this morning.

Several people have died, according to Philippine authorities. In the city of General Santos, at least one building has collapsed.

Authorities in both Indonesia and Malaysia have also issued warnings due to the earthquake.

According to the Philippine Institute of Seismology, the quake was very strong.

– We expect damage and have already seen videos showing damaged buildings, says director Teresito Bacolcol to the AP.