A powerful offshore earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 struck the southern Philippines on Monday, resulting in at least 32 fatalities and more than 200 injuries. The quake, which occurred near Mindanao, also generated a 1-meter (3-foot) tsunami that impacted nearby coastal areas, according to officials.
Tsunami Threat Passes
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center announced that the tsunami threat had largely subsided approximately five hours after the earthquake. Tsunami damage was reported in at least one coastal village in the south. Smaller waves were observed in Indonesia, Palau, and as far as southern Japan.
Epicenter and Impact
The tremor's epicenter was located 20 kilometers off Sarangani province on Mindanao island. The quake was felt up to 420 kilometers away on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. In General Santos city, several low-rise buildings collapsed or sustained severe damage. A landslide in Glan, Sarangani province, killed 13 villagers, as reported by provincial disaster official Rene Punzalan. Four additional deaths occurred in Sarangani.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
Philippine police confirmed at least seven people missing in General Santos, with fears that students may be trapped inside a collapsed two-story school building. Rescue teams have been deployed to damaged structures, including a warehouse. The death toll rose to 19, then to 32, with 134 injured, according to the civil defense office.
University Building Collapse
A building at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University in General Santos collapsed. University president Manuel de Leon described the quake as "very long and strong."
Government Response
Philippine President Bongbong Marcos ordered an immediate government response, saying, "We will not leave Mindanao behind." He suspended all school classes in affected regions and urged coastal residents to evacuate to higher ground.
International Advisories
The UK Foreign Office updated travel advice, warning of aftershocks and infrastructure damage. Australia canceled its tsunami watch, and New Zealand assessed the threat. The Japan Meteorological Society issued a tsunami advisory for southern coastal areas.
Seismic Context
The Philippines lies on the "Pacific Ring of Fire," a seismically active belt with frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
