A strong earthquake registering magnitude 7.4 struck off the southern coast of the Philippines on Friday, prompting tsunami warnings from authorities in both the Philippines and Indonesia. Coastal communities were urged to move to higher ground as officials warned of waves potentially exceeding one metre (3.3ft) above normal tide levels.
Local reports said at least one person was killed. The quake caused power outages in parts of the region and led to the suspension of classes in affected areas. Video circulated on local media showed overhead network cables swaying and vehicles halting as the tremor occurred.
Journalists observed patients being treated outdoors in a car park at a hospital in Davao City, close to the quake's epicentre, and crowds filling the corridors. A provincial governor described chaotic conditions as buildings shook.
Edwin Jubahib, governor of Davao Oriental province, told Philippine broadcaster DZMM: "Some buildings were reported to have been damaged," adding, "It was very strong."
Rescue and disaster agency workers described people fainting and widespread fear. Richie Diuyen, who works at the local disaster agency in the town of Manay, said the shaking left her disoriented. She told the BBC: "I am still scared and shook. We couldn't believe how strong the earthquake was. This was the first time I have experienced that."
Philippine authorities issued alerts for potentially destructive and life-threatening tsunami waves immediately after the quake. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii later reported that the tsunami threat had subsided about an hour after the initial warning.
In nearby Indonesia, minor tsunamis were recorded, with the largest measured at 17cm in the Talaud Islands of North Sulawesi. Local officials there sent students home as a precaution but described the situation as calm. Indonesian authorities advised people to remain calm and to avoid damaged buildings.
The quake comes shortly after a separate, powerful earthquake struck central Philippines just over a week earlier, and follows a month in which the country experienced a destructive typhoon. The Philippines lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" and frequently faces earthquakes, volcanic activity and severe storms.
Dr Teresito Bacolcol, director of the Philippine volcanic agency Phivolcs, said: "Filipinos are now experiencing disaster fatigue from typhoons, volcanic minor eruptions and earthquakes," and urged people to recognise the country's exposure to such events, saying they must "accept our reality" that "every now and then we will be jolted by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis". He added: "Instead of panicking, we have to prepare."