Powerful earthquake hits southern Philippines, causing at least 12 deaths

A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of the southern Philippines on Monday, killing at least 12 people and injuring more than 200 others.

Most of the deaths and injuries occurred in collapsing or damaged structures, the Associated Press reported.

The quake also triggered a tsunami that sent waves of up to 1 meter (3 feet) onto nearby coastlines, according to Philippine officials cited in reports. 

The tsunami threat was lowered within five hours of the earthquake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said. 

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Director Teresito Bacolcol said authorities had received no reports of deaths, injuries or significant damage linked to the tsunami specifically.