A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday. The quake occurred off the coast of Sarangani on the island of Mindanao at around 7:37 am local time. Authorities confirmed at least 32 deaths and 134 injuries by late afternoon. Most of the victims were buried under rubble or in landslides.
The tremor was felt strongly in several provinces in Mindanao. Tremors reached the Indonesian city of Manado, 420 kilometers away. Tsunami warnings were issued for coastal areas in the Philippines, northern Indonesia and Sabah, Malaysia. Authorities canceled the warnings after more than six hours, with no reports of significant waves causing major damage.
Offshore epicentre caused damage to coastal cities
The epicenter was about 20 kilometers off the coast of Sarangani. The depth was estimated at around 33 kilometers. Several buildings collapsed in General Santos, a city with around 700,000 inhabitants. Reports indicate falling poles, power outages and damage to bridges.
- Landslides killed several people in Glan, Sarangani municipality.
- Public buildings, including a police station, showed serious cracks.
- Residents fled to higher ground during the initial panic.
- Rescue teams work with military support to remove rubble.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered an immediate response. Government agencies prepare reception centers and distribute supplies. Thousands of families were preventively evacuated in the hours following the tremor.
Searches continue amid more than a hundred replicas
Civil Defense and Army teams operate on several fronts. The focus is on locating those missing under the wreckage. The number of injuries exceeded 100, with many cases of fractures and injuries from falling objects. Local hospitals received reinforcements from medical teams from other regions.
The aftershocks totaled more than 130 in the first hours, with one measuring 6.5. They make the work of rescuers more difficult and increase the risk of further falls. Residents report constant fear, with many families spending the night outdoors.
Philippines faces history of high seismic activity
The country is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire. This region records frequent earthquakes due to tectonic plates. In 2013, an earthquake in Bohol left hundreds dead. Another strong tremor has hit Mindanao in recent periods.
This Monday’s event is considered one of the most powerful in decades in the area. Experts monitor the Cotabato Trench as a possible origin of the movement. The moderate depth helped limit some damage, but the intensity still had broad effects.
Impact extends to essential infrastructure and services
Airports in the region have temporarily suspended operations. Flights were canceled in the following days due to security concerns. Roads showed cracks and partial blockages in affected sections. Electricity remains interrupted in several neighborhoods in General Santos.
Schools suspended classes in affected areas. The government advises the population to avoid damaged buildings. Volunteers and humanitarian organizations began collecting donations to help the homeless.
International response begins to mobilize
Neighboring countries and allies followed the development of events. Messages of solidarity arrived from different governments. Technical and material support can be sent in the next few hours, as required by the Philippine authorities.
Civil Defense continues to update numbers as the search progresses. The balance sheet should rise even further in the coming days. Affected families seek shelter and information about relatives missing amid the destruction.
The quake occurred eight months after another deadly earthquake in the country. That time, of magnitude 6.9, left 79 people dead on the island of Cebu. Previous experience helped to speed up part of the current response, with contingency plans already activated.
