Manila, Philippines: At least 37 people have been killed and hundreds more injured after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines early Monday morning, causing widespread destruction, building collapses, landslides, and temporary tsunami alerts across the region.
According to civil defense authorities, preliminary reports indicate that 37 people lost their lives, 479 were injured, and four remain missing following the quake. Most casualties were caused by falling debris and landslides triggered by the powerful tremor.
The earthquake struck at approximately 7:37 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located about 20 kilometers off the coast of Sarangani Province and roughly 13 kilometers southwest of General Santos City. The tremor was felt strongly across Mindanao and as far away as Manado in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi Province.
Authorities reported that nearly 88,000 people were affected by the disaster, including more than 20,000 residents who were displaced from their homes. Officials have urged residents to avoid entering damaged buildings due to the continued risk of aftershocks.
Videos circulating on social media showed significant structural damage in General Santos City, including the collapse of the upper floor of a Jollibee restaurant and portions of a commercial complex. In Davao del Sur, part of a high school building collapsed as students gathered outside for morning activities.
Several hospitals also sustained damage, according to Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon. Many injured residents were treated in temporary medical facilities and tents, as fears of further structural collapses prevented people from entering damaged hospitals.
The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings in the southern Philippines, northern Indonesia, and Malaysia’s Sabah state. Coastal residents were advised to evacuate to higher ground as a precaution. However, the warnings were lifted more than six hours later after authorities determined the threat had passed.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the public that evacuation centers were operational and emergency response teams were actively assessing damage and conducting rescue operations.
“The national government is moving, and we will not leave Mindanao behind,” Marcos said in a statement.
The earthquake struck on the same day that public schools reopened for a new academic year. Videos from several schools showed students scrambling for safety during morning assemblies. The Philippine Red Cross also deployed teams to assist students and communities affected by the disaster.
In response to the emergency, President Marcos ordered the suspension of classes in affected areas until further notice, emphasizing that “the safety of our children comes first.”
The Philippines remains one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations due to its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The country is also regularly affected by powerful typhoons and tropical storms throughout the year.
Rescue and recovery operations continue as authorities assess the full extent of the damage and search for missing persons.
