A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday morning. The strong jolt occurred at around 7:37 am, with its epicenter in the sea near Sarangani province, in the Mindanao region. The tremor caused the collapse of buildings and landslides. Authorities have confirmed at least 41 deaths and more than 450 injuries so far. Thousands of people were left homeless. Relief teams work amid logistical challenges.
The constant aftershocks complicate the rescuers’ work. In Sarangani province, one of the most affected, some areas can only be reached by helicopter. The head of regional civil defense, Rodrigo Sosmena, highlighted the necessary caution. Several strong aftershocks occurred after the mainshock. Hundreds of smaller tremors were recorded in the following hours.
Buildings collapse in General Santos and Glan
The city of General Santos recorded significant damage. A shopping center collapsed in on itself, according to verified videos. Secourists use sniffer dogs to search for survivors among the rubble of a supermarket. Two employees remain missing at the scene. At a seaside hotel, coastguards search for two other people who fell into the water.
In Glan, a landslide buried homes and caused at least 13 deaths. More than 60 hospital patients were transferred outside. The building suffered structural damage that prevents safe use. Municipal authorities ordered evacuation to avoid additional risks during the aftershocks.
Wounded receive outdoor care
Hundreds of injured people were treated in makeshift hospitals. Images show patients lying outside, exposed to heat, while internal structures are assessed. In General Santos, medical teams work in precarious conditions. The number of injured exceeds 450, according to disaster management agencies. Many suffered injuries while rushing to exit buildings or from falling objects.
- Several schools suspended classes on the first day of the school year
- Power outages affected dozens of municipalities in Mindanao
- Tsunami warnings were issued and then canceled in the southern region
- Small waves were recorded on some coasts
- Preventive evacuations also took place in neighboring Indonesia
Replicas and access make searches difficult
More than a thousand aftershocks have been felt since the initial tremor. The strongest registered magnitude 6.5. This led to pauses in rescue operations overnight. In Sarangani, rough terrain and landslides block roads. Helicopters transport supplies and crews. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attended a situation meeting at the presidential palace.
Residents report panic during the tremor. Many spent the night in the open for fear of further collapse. Authorities ask the population to follow official guidance and avoid damaged areas. The number of victims could still increase as the search progresses. Four people remain missing at different points.
Destruction to commercial and residential structures
A fast-food chain restaurant partially collapsed in General Santos. Police surrounded the area shortly after the incident. Other commercial establishments, schools and homes also reported damage. Preliminary assessments point to dozens of compromised buildings. The electrical grid suffered interruptions in several provinces. Technical teams work to restore supply.
The earthquake occurred in an active subduction zone. Experts indicate that the region is prone to strong seismic events. This was the most intense to hit the country since 1990. Authorities activated contingency plans in multiple regions. International support can be requested if needs grow.
Displaced people seek temporary shelter
Thousands of families left their homes. Temporary shelters were set up in safe areas. Donations of food, water and first aid materials began to arrive. Local organizations coordinate distribution. In General Santos, hotels and churches serve as support points for displaced people. The focus now is to ensure minimum conditions for the coming nights.
Rescue operations continue with priority for places of greatest risk. Search dogs and heavy equipment help with the work. Each replica generates a new alert between the teams. Authorities reinforce the population’s request for patience while they assess the full extent of the damage.