A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck off the southern coast of the Philippines, according to Reuters. Tsunami warnings have been issued in several countries, and residents in coastal areas are being urged to move inland or to higher ground.
Preliminary reports indicate at least one fatality and significant damage to homes, buildings, and bridges. The earthquake lasted between 30 and 40 seconds, and authorities are warning of possible aftershocks. Classes in local schools have been suspended while inspections are underway.
This is one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the Philippines in recent years. The country lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire — a zone of intense seismic activity where over 800 earthquakes occur annually. Just two weeks ago, the Philippines experienced its deadliest quake in more than a decade, which claimed 74 lives on Cebu Island.







