India, June 8 -- A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of the Philippines on Monday, killing at least 12 people, injuring more than 200 others and triggering tsunami waves along nearby coastlines, authorities said.

The offshore earthquake struck at 7:37 a.m. local time near Mindanao, with its epicentre located southwest of Maasim town in Sarangani province. The tremor was felt across large parts of southern Philippines and even in neighbouring Malaysia, sparking panic among residents and forcing evacuations.

According to Philippine disaster management officials, at least seven people were killed and around 130 injured in General Santos City, one of the worst-hit areas. Several buildings suffered structural da...