7.8 Magnitude Earthquake in Philippines Kills 35, Collapses Buildings, Sparks Tsunami

A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines on Monday, killing at least 35 people, collapsing buildings, and triggering a tsunami warning that sent residents fleeing to higher ground. The quake, which hit near the central island of Leyte, was felt across a wide area, including the capital Manila, where office workers evacuated high-rise buildings.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas, urging residents to move inland. The warning was later lifted after waves of up to one meter were observed in some locations.

Rescue teams are working to dig through rubble in search of survivors, with dozens still missing. The earthquake caused widespread damage to infrastructure, including roads and bridges, hampering relief efforts.

Hospitals are overwhelmed with the injured, and power outages have been reported in several provinces. The Philippine government has declared a state of calamity in the hardest-hit areas, allowing for the release of emergency funds.

International aid offers have begun to pour in, with neighboring countries and the United Nations expressing condolences and readiness to assist. The earthquake is one of the strongest to hit the Philippines in recent years, a country that lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is prone to seismic activity.

Authorities are urging caution as aftershocks continue to rattle the region.