Magnitude 7.8 earthquake jolts southern Philippines, leaving dozens dead

A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of Mindanao island in the southern Philippines, resulting in at least 37 fatalities and 487 injuries. Officials anticipate the death toll could increase as emergency responders reach affected coastal cities and towns to assess the full extent of the devastation. The tremor has caused buildings to collapse and roads to crack, with the region experiencing hundreds of aftershocks since the main quake.

In Digos, schoolchildren were observed fleeing a collapsing outdoor structure during the earthquake, though the school later confirmed no injuries among pupils or staff. Recovery efforts are ongoing amidst the continued seismic activity.

Sources: BBC News - World