6.2-magnitude earthquake strikes southern Philippines, tsunami warning issued

A powerful 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Monday, prompting tsunami warnings in parts of the Pacific region, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The quake occurred at 5.18 pm local time (0918 GMT) at a depth of 112 kilometres, with its epicentre located off Mindanao Island, the USGS said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reportedly said the earthquake originated along the Philippine Trench and was not related to the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts for parts of the coasts of Indonesia, the Philippines, Palau, Taiwan and Papua New Guinea following the quake.

Videos circulating on social media appeared to show buildings collapsing during the tremors. One widely shared clip showed a shelter structure at a school ground collapsing after students had gathered there. Another video showed residents running for safety as a building gave way.

Authorities had not immediately released official figures regarding casualties or damage caused by Monday's earthquake.

The latest tremor comes days after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippine city of General Santos on June 8, killing at least 65 people and injuring more than 200, according to reports.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had earlier suspended classes in affected areas of Mindanao and urged residents in coastal regions to evacuate to higher ground.

"Move to higher ground now. Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything left behind," he had said.

The Philippines lies along the Pacific "Ring of Fire", a region of intense seismic and volcanic activity, making it one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries.