The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has temporarily suspended operations at General Santos Airport following a massive earthquake in Sarangani province and a subsequent tsunami warning issued by the country's volcanology institute PHIVOLCS.

A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is in effect from 8:45 AM to 3:00 PM local time on Monday (June 8).

Authorities are currently assessing air navigation facilities, equipment, and operational capabilities to ensure the safety and integrity of airport operations, CAAP said.

Passengers have been advised to coordinate with their respective airlines for updates on flight status.

Further advisories are expected to follow, the authority added.

The damage at General Santos International Airport in General Santos, Philippines is illustrated in visuals. During the earthquake, certain travelers abandoned their luggage in their haste to seek refuge.

At least 17 flights to and from GenSan were cancelled today, according to the CAAP.

BBC reported that a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of General Santos City in Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island, at 07:37 local time on Sunday (23:37 GMT).

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said the quake had a depth of 10 kilometres.

At least three people have been killed and five others injured, according to police.

Following the quake, tsunami warnings were issued across several countries in the region, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan, though most have since been lifted.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said he had directed all relevant government agencies to act immediately, urging people to move to higher ground.