This is the dramatic moment a shopping mall roof collapsed when a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines this evening (October 16).

The building was shaken violently by the tremors which rocked the southern island of Mindanao shortly after the quake hit at around 7.40pm local time.

Shoppers screamed and fled in panic as debris fell all around them in scenes of chaos at the SM City mall in General Santos City.

At least one child has been killed and dozens more injured in the disaster. Nobody is believed to have been seriously hurt in the shopping mall.

Authorities advised residents to stay out of homes that may have suffered cracks and been weakened.

The quake, which measured 6.4, also caused power cuts and strong aftershocks in some regions.

“Our hospital chief reported that a child died because of the earthquake,” said Reuel Limbungan, mayor of Tulunan town in North Cotabato province.

Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, described the quake as "moderately powerful''.

He added: ''Aftershocks can happen. Some can be felt most likely in low intensities. But we cannot remove the possibility of similar intensities that can be felt in the epicentral area.''