Over 8,000 people affected by 2 powerful earthquakes in Philippines

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - More than 8,400 people were affected by two strong earthquakes that struck the Philippines' southern region hours apart on Friday, according to a preliminary situation report issued on Saturday.

Preemptive evacuations were conducted for 1,265 residents, while 7,915 individuals are currently displaced, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council's report, as cited by the Inquirer.

At least eight people were reported killed.

A second strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7 struck the Philippines off the southern Mindanao region just hours after a 7.4-magnitude quake hit the same location, triggering a tsunami warning, later cancelled, and prompting coastal evacuations.

While there has been no complete estimation of damage to infrastructure and agriculture, a total of 33 houses were damaged due to the jolts.

A total of 792 aftershocks have also been recorded by Saturday morning following the earthquakes.