A huge 7.2 magnitude earthquake has rocked the Philippines.
The ordeal took place today, Friday, November 17, at around 4.14pm local time and lasted for several seconds.
As per the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the quake hit 7.2 on the scale and happened at a depth of six miles (10km).
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The US Geological Survey, meanwhile, measured the quake at 6.9 magnitude.
While only short, the extremely strong quake has caused a lot of damage.
According to reports, the earthquake shook parts of the country located 16 miles (26km) off Burias and has been described as an undersea quake - but no tsunami is expected, says the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.
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However, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology did warn that 'earthquakes of this size may generate unusual sea level disturbances that may be observed along coasts near the earthquake epicentre of Davao Occidental'.
A video has been shared online of the moment the quake hit a mall in General Santos City and caused panels from the ceiling of the building to fall off.
The video was taken from the perspective of someone seeking shelter in one of the mall's restaurants.
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People could be heard screaming and shouting the background as they watched the building crumble in front of their eyes.
As shoppers ducked for cover in nearby shops and restaurants, passengers at General Santos City airport had to evacuate onto the tarmac.
Fortunately there has been no immediate reports of any casualties, according to Sky News.
Speaking to AFP News Agency, 27-year-old Keeshia Leyran said that it was 'the strongest earthquake I've ever experienced'.
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"People around me were panicking and running to go outside. There are hundreds of people here at the event, so I was more scared of a stampede happening to be honest," she added.
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Today's incident marks the second big earthquake that's rocked the Philippines of late.
Back in June, the country has hit with a 6.2 magnitude quake.
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It struck at a depth of 124 kilometres in waters about three hours’ drive from the capital Manila.
It's not unusual for the Philippines to be hit by earthquake such as today's as it's located in what's known as the 'Ring of Fire'.
The Ring of Fire surrounds several tectonic plates and, as these plates are not fixed and are constantly moving, they sometimes collide and result in an earthquake.
There are a total of 15 countries located in the Ring of Fire, including Japan, New Zealand, Papa New Guinea and the Philippines.
Topics: News, World News
Niamh Shackleton