A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake has killed dozens and injured hundreds in the Philippines, according to the latest preliminary toll, and triggered a tsunami warning (which has since been withdrawn) in the Pacific . Authorities in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia urged residents of coastal areas to evacuate to higher ground after the quake, whose epicenter was about 24 kilometers off the coast of Sarangani province on the island of Mindanao.

The earthquake struck at 7:37 a.m. (1:00 a.m. GMT), according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Its depth has been revised to 55 km. The main shock was followed by several aftershocks, including one with a magnitude of 6.5. The earthquake also caused extensive property damage in the southern Philippines, according to a preliminary police report.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos suspended classes in the affected areas of Mindanao and urged coastal residents to evacuate immediately. "Get to higher ground now. Don't wait," he said. "Your life is more important than anything you leave behind." The tsunami warning, as previously stated, was lifted in the following hours.

In Kiamba, a coastal town near the epicenter, approximately 50,000 residents have sought refuge away from the coast. "Currently, 80% of the population has moved to higher ground," said Agripino Dacera, regional emergency management director. General Santos airport has been closed until further notice.

(Unioneonline)

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