Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake Strikes Philippines, Triggering Tsunami Warning and Hospital Evacuations

A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, prompting tsunami warnings across Asia and causing significant disruption to healthcare facilities. Hospitals in affected areas, including St Elizabeth Hospital in General Santos, sustained severe damage, forcing patients and medical personnel to evacuate and operate in temporary underground shelters or outside. Authorities have activated emergency agencies and advised residents in coastal areas to evacuate to higher ground.