Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for the evacuation of some coastal areas in the central and southern parts of the country following a devastating earthquake that struck on Friday, measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale.

Marcos Jr. said in a post on the social media platform Facebook, as reported by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in its English-language bulletin, that search, rescue, and relief teams will be deployed as soon as it is safe to do so. He also urged all residents in the affected areas to move to higher ground and stay away from the shore until authorities declare the situation safe.

Marcos Jr. confirmed that authorities are working around the clock to ensure aid reaches everyone in need.

Earthquakes are a nearly daily occurrence in the Philippines, which lies within the “Ring of Fire” in the Pacific Ocean, a region active with earthquakes and volcanoes.