On Saturday, a robust earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 occurred off the southern Philippine coast, leading many residents to hastily evacuate their homes around midnight following a tsunami warning issued by Philippine authorities.

The quake occurred at a depth of 32 kilometers (20 miles), as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. Initial assessments did not indicate significant damage or casualties.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially anticipated tsunami waves affecting the southern Philippines, along with parts of Indonesia, Palau, and Malaysia, based on the magnitude and location.

However, the center later retracted its tsunami warning, the Associated Press reported.

The Philippines, recognized as one of the most disaster-prone nations globally, frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic eruptions owing to its situation along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” — an arc of seismic faults encircling the ocean.

Additionally, the archipelago contends with approximately 20 typhoons and storms annually.

Written by B.C. Begley