This is the terrifying moment a swimming pool shook violently causing large waves earthquake hit the Philippines today (December 15).

The footage was captured at a hotel in the populous General Santos City on the southern island of Mindanao, south of the quake epicentre.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake hit South Cotabato at 2:11pm local time.

In some places, residents were trapped under collapsed structures. It is not yet known how many casualties there are.

Officials confirmed there were a number of aftershocks across the region. In Davao, a video shows an electrical transformer exploding in a bright flash of light causing panic in the streets.

This is the terrifying moment a swimming pool shook violently causing large waves earthquake hit the Philippines today.

The footage was captured at a hotel in the populous General Santos City on the southern island of Mindanao, south of the quake epicentre.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake hit South Cotabato at 2:11pm local time.

In some places, residents were trapped under collapsed structures. It is not yet known how many casualties there are.

Officials confirmed there were a number of aftershocks across the region. In Davao, a video shows an electrical transformer exploding in a bright flash of light causing panic in the streets.