A very strong earthquake hit the southern Philippines

A powerful earthquake hit the southern Philippines last week. The earthquake was very strong. At least 32 people died in this disaster.

Earthquakes happen when the ground under us moves. The ground can move up and down. It can also move left and right. When the ground moves fast, buildings can break. This earthquake was very big. Scientists said it was level 7.8.

When big earthquakes happen under the ocean, they can make waves. These waves are called tsunamis. A tsunami is a big ocean wave. It moves very fast. In this case, small tsunami waves appeared in three countries. The Philippines had small waves. Indonesia also had small waves. Japan also saw small waves in the ocean.

Many buildings broke. Roads broke too. People lost their homes. Hospitals worked very hard. Doctors helped sick people and hurt people. Fire services helped people escape from broken buildings.

People in the area are still scared. They worry another earthquake might come. After a big earthquake, smaller earthquakes often happen. These are called aftershocks. Aftershocks are normal. They usually do not cause much damage.

Earthquakes are very dangerous. We cannot stop them. But we can prepare. Good buildings can survive earthquakes. People can learn what to do when an earthquake happens. Families should have a plan.

The Philippines is in an area with many earthquakes. It sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire. This is a place where earthquakes happen often. People there know earthquakes are a risk.

Inspired by reporting from BBC News.