Powerful Earthquake Strikes Southern Philippines

Death Toll Rises as Thousands Displaced

Magnitude 7.6 Quake Shakes Philippine Sea

A powerful earthquake has struck the southern Philippines, killing at least one person and injuring dozens more. The quake, which had a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, struck at 4:19 p.m. local time on Saturday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

The epicenter of the quake was located in the Philippine Sea, about 125 kilometers (78 miles) southeast of the town of General Santos City. The quake was felt throughout the southern Philippines, as well as in parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.

The quake triggered landslides and caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes and are now living in evacuation centers.

The Philippine government has declared a state of calamity in the affected areas. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is coordinating the relief efforts.