A powerful magnitude-7.8 earthquake struck the southern Philippines early on Monday, leaving at least 37 people dead and hundreds injured, according to civil defence officials. The quake hit about 20km off the coast of Sarangani province, with tremors felt strongly across Mindanao and as far as Manado in Indonesia.
Authorities reported 479 injured and four missing, with most casualties caused by falling debris and landslides. Around 88,000 people were affected, including 20,690 displaced. Officials urged residents not to enter damaged buildings due to the threat of aftershocks.
Video footage verified by the Guardian showed the collapse of a Jollibee restaurant's upper floor and concrete walls of a commercial complex in General Santos City. In Davao del Sur, part of a high school collapsed as students gathered outside. Power outages were reported, and people were advised to move to higher ground.
Tsunami warnings were issued for the southern Philippines, northern Indonesia, and the Malaysian state of Sabah, but were cancelled after more than six hours. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said evacuation centres were ready and operational, adding, 'The national government is moving and we will not leave Mindanao behind.'
Multiple hospitals were damaged, forcing medical treatment in makeshift tents. The earthquake struck as public schools reopened, causing panic among students. Marcos ordered the suspension of schools in affected areas until further notice, stating, 'The safety of our children comes first.'
