An eyewitness captures scenes of panic with residents gathering in the street after an earthquake hit the Philippines today (December 15).

The footage was captured in the town of Padada in the populous Davao City on the southern island of Mindanao, north 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.

WhIle in nearby General Santos city a hotel swimming pool was seen shaking violently.

Scenes of panic with residents gathering in the street an earthquake hits the Philippines today.

The footage was captured in the town of Padada in the populous Davao City on the southern island of Mindanao, north 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.

WhIle in nearby General Santos city a hotel swimming pool was seen shaking violently.