A powerful earthquake struck the southern Philippines, resulting in the death of at least one villager and causing several injuries. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.6 according to the U.S. Geological Survey, struck on Saturday night at a depth of 32 kilometers (20 miles). The temblor prompted thousands to flee their homes in panic and caused traffic congestion as people rushed to higher grounds following a tsunami warning issued by authorities.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially expected tsunami waves to hit the southern Philippines, along with parts of Indonesia, Palau, and Malaysia. However, the warning was later rescinded. Despite further earthquakes on Sunday, with magnitudes of 6.6 and 6.9, no further tsunami alerts were issued.

Tragically, a pregnant woman lost her life during the earthquake. She, along with her husband and daughter, was struck by a collapsed 15-feet (4.5-meter) concrete wall while trying to escape their house in Tagum city. The husband and daughter sustained injuries, but two other children and their parents managed to jump from a second-floor window and landed safely on a grassy lot.

The severity of the earthquake took many residents by surprise. Shieldon Isidoro, the city's disaster-mitigation chief, described the initial swaying as weak before rapidly intensifying. Isidoro recounted the chaos, with perfume bottles falling off tables, pictures swinging on walls, and people outside screaming for others to evacuate. Thankfully, Isidoro's prior earthquake drills in Tagum appeared to have minimized casualties.

Residents throughout various towns of the region, including those affected by heavy rainfall, remained outside their homes for several hours due to both the earthquake and tsunami scare. However, many were able to return home once the threat subsided.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. reported that initial assessments indicated no major damage, aside from two damaged bridges and sporadic power outages. While one fatality and a few injuries were reported, officials continued to monitor the situation.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology urged residents along the coast of Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental provinces, near the epicenter of the undersea quake, to promptly evacuate to higher ground or move further inland. Photos shared on social media depicted residents fleeing to higher ground on foot, as well as in cars, trucks, motorcycles, and tricycle taxis.

Civil aviation officials conducted inspections and concluded that several airports in the southern region were not significantly impacted. As a result, flight operations remained uninterrupted.

The Philippines, located on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. Furthermore, it endures an average of 20 typhoons and storms each year. The country's resilience and preparedness are continually tested in the face of these natural disasters.