A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 struck off the southern coast of the Philippines on Monday, leading to the tragic loss of at least 35 lives and injuring over 200. The seismic event, centered near Mindanao at a depth of 33 kilometers, caused significant destruction, particularly in General Santos, where numerous buildings either collapsed or suffered major damage. Rescue teams are actively working to find individuals who may be trapped under the debris.
In Sarangani province, a landslide triggered by the earthquake resulted in the deaths of 13 people, marking one of the deadliest outcomes of the disaster. Additional fatalities were recorded in nearby provinces due to falling debris and building collapses. Along the southern coastline, tsunami waves reaching up to 1.4 meters caused further damage to homes and infrastructure, while smaller waves were observed in Indonesia, Palau, and Japan. Authorities eventually lifted tsunami warnings after confirming the immediate danger had subsided.
The quake prompted the temporary closure of General Santos International Airport, leading to the cancellation of several domestic flights. Schools in affected regions were also closed as emergency teams assessed the extent of the damage and coordinated relief efforts. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a swift government response and instructed disaster management agencies to support the impacted communities.
Officials have urged residents to remain vigilant due to potential aftershocks and advised against returning to damaged structures until they have been inspected for safety. As the Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, it is particularly susceptible to frequent seismic and volcanic activity, making it one of the world’s most earthquake-prone nations.