New Delhi, June 8 -- The 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck southern Philippines on Monday, has killed at least 15 people.

The devastating earthquake caused buildings to collapse and sparked tsunami warnings across the region.

Philippine authorities urged people in affected coastal regions to move to higher ground after the offshore quake hit south of General Santos, a city of about 720,000.

A series of powerful aftershocks rocked the area from about two hours after the first quake, according to the United States Geological Survey, with the largest measuring 6.5 magnitude.

Videos posted to social media and verified by AFP showed a shopping centre with a Jollibee fast food restaurant reduced to rubble in General Santos City, while a ...