A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 struck the southern Philippines early Monday, resulting in at least 37 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. The quake caused buildings to collapse and prompted tsunami warnings that were later lifted.
Details of the Earthquake
The earthquake hit around 7:37 a.m. local time, approximately 20 kilometers off the coast of Sarangani province. Strong tremors were felt across Mindanao and as far as 420 kilometers away in Manado, Indonesia. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported the epicenter 13 kilometers southwest of General Santos City, with a depth of 6.2 miles. The US Geological Survey recorded the magnitude as 7.8 at a depth of 34 miles.
Casualties and Damage
Civil defense officials confirmed at least 37 deaths, 479 injuries, and four missing persons across Mindanao, primarily due to falling debris and landslides. Approximately 88,000 people were affected, including 20,690 displaced residents. Authorities urged people to avoid damaged buildings due to aftershock risks. Video footage verified by the Guardian showed the upper floor of a Jollibee restaurant collapsing and concrete walls of a commercial complex giving way in General Santos City. In Davao del Sur, part of a high school collapsed as students gathered outside. Images from a convenience store in General Santos City revealed a destroyed entrance with shattered glass and overturned benches.
Infrastructure and Response
Power outages were reported, and residents were advised to move to higher ground. Multiple hospitals sustained damage, according to Richard Gordon, chairman and CEO of the Philippines Red Cross. Injured individuals received treatment in makeshift tents due to fears of hospital collapses. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that evacuation centers were operational and that government agencies were assessing damage and clearing routes for rescue operations. He emphasized, "The national government is moving and we will not leave Mindanao behind."
Tsunami Warnings Cancelled
Tsunami warnings for the southern Philippines, northern Indonesia, and Malaysia's Sabah state were cancelled after more than six hours. Coastal residents had been instructed to evacuate to higher ground. Tremors were also felt in Indonesia's North Sulawesi and North Maluku provinces.
Context and Ongoing Risks
The Philippines, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The country also experiences around 20 typhoons and tropical storms annually. The earthquake struck as public schools reopened for the new academic year. A video from Mahayhay Elementary School in Davao showed panicked pupils scrambling for safety during a flag ceremony. The Philippines Red Cross assisted three high schools to support traumatized students. President Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension of schools in affected areas until further notice, stating, "The safety of our children comes first."
This report includes contributions from Carmela Fonbuena and information from Associated Press and Agence France-Presse.
