A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake has struck Leyte in the Philippines, prompting a major warning for residents following the significant tremor in the Asian islands.
The earthquake reportedly occurred around 10 pm local time, originating underwater. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has advised residents near the shoreline to move inland due to anticipated rapid changes in seawater levels following the 6.7 magnitude earthquake near Bogo City, Cebu.
The quake has affected various structures, including a church in Bantayan town, where a video captured the moment the religious site began to crumble, with the cross falling to the ground as passers-by screamed and fled in another direction.
In Bantayan Island, a strong 6.9 magnitude earthquake impacted the St. Peter and Paul the Apostle Parish Church, with an influencer, Sam Pepper, filming a livestream at a restaurant when the venue started shaking. The video showed Pepper and other diners running down a staircase in response to the quake.
Additionally, a video documented models pausing on the runway as a building shook, with people heard screaming and fleeing as the earthquake unfolded. Reports indicate that the earthquake could trigger a localized tsunami, with the nearly 7-magnitude quake prompting warnings across the country.
Meanwhile, Indonesia is also experiencing seismic activity, with an earthquake detected 1007 km northwest of Sulawesi, raising concerns about potential impacts in the region.