A powerful 7,8-magnitude earthquake struck the island of Mindanao early Monday morning, killing at least 19 people, injuring over 130, and leaving several residents unaccounted for. The epicenter was approximately 13 kilometers southwest of General Santos City, where the worst damage was reported.

The tremors damaged and partially collapsed dozens of buildings in General Santos and surrounding areas. Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities warn that the final death toll may rise as new data comes in from remote areas.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially warned of waves up to three meters high off the coast of the Philippines and up to a meter high in parts of Indonesia and Malaysia. Residents in coastal areas were ordered to seek higher ground. Experts later reported that the main danger had passed.

The disaster struck at a symbolically poignant moment—the first day of the new school year for the country's public schools. Schools in the affected areas were suspended; the Philippine Red Cross sent psychologists to children who survived the disaster.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that evacuation centers have been deployed, road crews are clearing debris, and experts are assessing the extent of the damage. Residents have been warned of the risk of aftershocks and are prohibited from entering damaged buildings until the inspections are completed.

The Philippines is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active belts on the planet, and is regularly the scene of devastating earthquakes and typhoons.