A powerful earthquake struck off the southern coast of the Philippines, killing at least 35 people and triggering tsunami warnings across parts of Asia as emergency crews rushed to rescue survivors from collapsed buildings and landslides.
The magnitude-7.8 earthquake struck near the island of Mindanao early Monday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and the US Geological Survey. The quake’s epicentre was located southwest of General Santos City at a relatively shallow depth, intensifying ground shaking across southern regions. (The Guardian)
Authorities reported widespread structural damage, power outages, landslides, and panic evacuations as tremors were felt across large parts of the Philippines and neighboring countries including Indonesia and Malaysia. (The Guardian)
Death Toll Rises as Rescue Operations Continue
Civil defence officials said at least 35 people were confirmed dead while more than 200 others were injured, though authorities warned the toll could rise as rescue teams continue searching damaged areas. (The Guardian)
Several deaths were linked to collapsing buildings and landslides in Sarangani province and surrounding areas. In one of the most dramatic incidents, part of a Jollibee restaurant collapsed in General Santos City during the quake, with videos showing terrified residents fleeing through clouds of dust and debris. (The Guardian)
A landslide in Glan town reportedly killed multiple villagers, while officials also investigated reports of trapped students after part of a school building collapsed. (Sky News)
Tsunami Warnings Issued Across Region
The quake triggered tsunami warnings and evacuation alerts across the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, and parts of the Pacific region.
Residents in coastal communities were urged to move to higher ground after authorities warned of potentially dangerous waves. Tsunami advisories remained active for several hours before many were later downgraded or cancelled after only moderate wave activity was recorded. (The Guardian)
Philippine officials reported tsunami waves reaching parts of southern coastal villages, while Indonesia and Japan also activated precautionary emergency monitoring systems. (New York Post)
Schools, Infrastructure and Transportation Affected
The earthquake struck on the first day of the new school year in many parts of the Philippines, leading to scenes of panic among students and teachers.
Videos circulating online showed children crying and crouching for safety during a school flag ceremony as buildings shook violently nearby. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. later ordered the suspension of classes in affected regions. (New York Post)
Authorities also reported damage to hospitals, commercial buildings, roads, and public infrastructure throughout Mindanao. More than 130 aftershocks were recorded following the main quake, increasing fears of additional collapses. (The Sun)
Emergency shelters and evacuation centres were activated as rescue crews worked to clear debris and restore transportation routes. (The Guardian)
One of the Strongest Quakes to Hit Philippines This Year
Seismologists described the quake as the strongest earthquake to strike the Philippines so far this year.
The Philippines lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” one of the world’s most seismically active zones, making the country highly vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic activity. (The Guardian)
Officials warned residents to avoid damaged buildings and remain alert for aftershocks while disaster response operations continue across the affected region. (The Guardian)
Sources: Reuters, The Guardian, Associated Press, Sky News, Al Jazeera, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
Editor: Sudhir Choudhary
Tags: Philippines Earthquake, Mindanao Quake, Tsunami Warning, General Santos City, Natural Disaster, Southeast Asia, Thailand News
News by The Vagabond News.
