A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Philippines early Monday, killing at least 15 people and injuring 129 others. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the quake’s epicenter was located about eight miles southwest of General Santos City in Mindanao, at a depth of 6.2 miles. The tremor occurred at 7:37 a.m. local time and caused significant structural damage across affected areas.

Rodrigo Sosmenia, director of the local civil defense office, reported that 12 of the victims were residents of the Soccsksargen region, while three others died in Davao Occidental province. Police officer Robert Dagn said many buildings were damaged and rescue operations were underway. Authorities have warned residents not to enter damaged homes or structures due to the risk of aftershocks.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially warned of possible waves up to 10 feet along parts of the Philippine coast and up to one meter in Indonesia and Malaysia, but later confirmed there was no tsunami threat.