An intense 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Monday, resulting in at least 35 fatalities and injuring more than 200 individuals. The seismic event, which had its epicenter 33 kilometers beneath the ocean floor, also triggered a tsunami that impacted several coastal areas, further compounding the devastation.
In General Santos, one of the hardest-hit cities, the earthquake caused widespread destruction, with multiple buildings either collapsing or sustaining significant structural damage. Search and rescue operations continue as teams work tirelessly to find people who might be trapped under the debris. In Sarangani province, one of the deadliest incidents occurred when a landslide, set off by the quake, claimed the lives of 13 residents. Additional deaths were reported in nearby provinces due to the collapse of structures and falling debris.
Tsunami waves reaching up to 1.4 meters lashed the southern coastline, damaging residential and coastal infrastructure. Smaller waves were also observed in neighboring countries, including Indonesia, Palau, and Japan. Authorities lifted tsunami warnings after confirming that the immediate danger had subsided.
The earthquake led to the temporary closure of General Santos International Airport, causing the cancellation of several domestic flights. Schools in affected regions were also shut down as emergency teams conducted damage assessments and coordinated relief efforts. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a swift government response, directing disaster management agencies to provide aid to the affected communities promptly.
As aftershocks remain a possibility, officials have urged residents to exercise caution and advised against returning to damaged buildings until they are deemed safe. Situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines frequently experiences seismic and volcanic activity, making it one of the world’s most earthquake-prone nations.