At least 12 people have died and over 200 have been injured in the powerful earthquake in the "Philippines", international news agencies report. Authorities warn that the number of casualties and injured may rise, as there are collapsed buildings and rescue operations are ongoing.
Earlier, it was reported that eight people died in the 7.8 magnitude quake, registered off the southern Philippine island of "Mindanao". The earthquake occurred at a depth of about 33 kilometers below the seabed and caused significant material damage in the affected region.
Following the strong tremor, a "tsunami" warning was issued in "Indonesia" and "Japan". Authorities in both countries ordered a partial evacuation of people from coastal areas as a preventive measure.
According to data from the "AP" agency, tsunamis of up to 1 meter in height were subsequently recorded along some sections of the coast. "Agence France-Presse" reported that the tsunami alert in "Indonesia" has already been lifted.
Tidal waves with a height of up to 20 centimeters reached the southern Japanese coast, local authorities inform, as cited by the national agency "Kyodo". For now, no serious damage to the Japanese coast has been reported.
The "Pacific Tsunami Warning Center" stated, as cited by the "Associated Press", that the threat of tidal waves in the region has largely passed, although the situation continues to be monitored.
The "Philippines" is located in the so-called "Pacific Ring of Fire" – the most seismically active region on the planet. Earthquakes are frequently registered in the country, some of which lead to serious destruction and human casualties.