Rescue efforts underway following powerful earthquake in the Philippines

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 has hit the Philippines, causing many buildings to collapse.

The earthquake hit at 07:37 local time (23:37 GMT) just off the coast of General Santos City, which is located on Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island.

Rescue efforts are taking place to help those affected.

Following the earthquake, tsunami warnings were issued in multiple countries but most have now been lifted.

Smaller earthquakes, known as aftershocks, have been recorded as well as some minor tsunami waves.

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr says he has "directed all relevant government agencies to act immediately" to help those who have been affected.

The earthquake has led to many buildings to collapse.

For many young students this was the start of the new school year in the Philippines. However, the president has ordered the "suspension of classes" in Mindanao.

The public has also been warned to avoid re-entering their homes or other buildings, especially those with signs of damage, and at least 19 people are reported to have died.

An earthquake is what is known as a natural disaster.

It is a sudden shockwave that can be felt on the Earth's surface.

Although the ground we walk on seems solid, the Earth's surface or crust is actually made up of huge pieces of flat rock called tectonic plates.

These plates move very slowly in different directions and at different speeds.

As the plates move, friction between them can cause energy to build up.

This energy becomes so great that the energy is released and creates seismic waves (shock waves) that shake the earth as they move through it.