Rescuers are searching ruined buildings in the southern Philippines to ensure no one was still trapped a day after the strongest earthquake to hit the country in a half-century killed at least 37 people and displaced more than 32,000. Only four people were considered missing on official records in the southern provinces near where the 7.8 magnitude quake struck Monday morning. However, the Office of Civil Defense acknowledged several collapsed and heavily damaged buildings must be thoroughly inspected for possible survivors or casualties. The earthquake was centered off Mindanao and displaced more than 20,000, most of whom fled to emergency shelters.
A series of small earthquakes rattled the San Francisco Bay Area in an area that's had a lot of seismic activity in recent months. The most powerful of Monday's quakes was a magnitude 4.2 that struck shortly after 7 a.m. just south of San Ramon, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. At least a dozen other smaller quakes struck in the same area starting around 6:30 a.m. and continuing for more than an hour. There were no immediate reports of damage. Bay Area Rapid Transit said delays could result from trains briefly running at reduced speeds during track safety inspections. Shaking was felt more than 30 miles away in San Francisco.
A strong earthquake rattled southern and central Mexico, interrupting President Claudia Sheinbaum's first press briefing of the new year as seismic alarms sounded. Friday's quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.5 and its epicenter was near the town of San Marcos in the southern state of Guerrero near the Pacific coast resort of Acapulco, according to Mexico's national seismological agency. The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake occurred at a depth of 21.7 miles (35 kilometers). There were no immediate report of damage or casualties.
A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake has struck off northern Japan, injuring over 20 people and triggering a tsunami. The quake hit late Monday, about 80 kilometers off the coast of Aomori. Officials have reported a tsunami of up to 70 centimeters in some areas. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency says 23 people are injured, mostly by falling objects. Nuclear power plants are conducting safety checks, and some train services are suspended. The Japan Meteorological Agency is warning of possible aftershocks and increased risk of a megaquake.
By ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN and SIDDIQULLAH ALIZAI Associated Press
A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake has shaken northern Afghanistan, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 640 others. The quake struck before dawn on Monday, damaging the historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif. In the town of Khulm, near the epicenter, residents have been digging through the rubble of collapsed homes. The impoverished country often struggles to respond to natural disasters, especially in remote regions. The Ministry of Defense announced that rescue and emergency teams have reached the affected areas. The United Nations in Afghanistan said its teams are on the ground assessing needs and delivering urgent aid.
