Major Earthquake in Southern Philippines Claims 32 Lives, Sparks Tsunami Alerts
At least 32 dead after major – A powerful magnitude-7.8 earthquake struck the coastal waters of Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, on Monday, causing at least 32 fatalities. The tremor occurred at 07:37 local time, which corresponds to 23:37 GMT on Sunday, and triggered tsunami warnings in the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, and Australia. However, several of these alerts were rescinded within hours as the threat diminished.
Videos and images shared online revealed widespread destruction, including a Jollibee fast-food restaurant collapsed into ruins and landslides in various regions. Over 100 individuals were injured, while nearly two dozen remain missing. Authorities also evacuated 10,000 residents preemptively, citing the potential for further damage. The exact casualty numbers, though, are yet to be confirmed by the national disaster agency, which is compiling data from local sources for an official update.
Impact on Coastal Provinces
In Sarangani, a coastal province located approximately 20km from the earthquake’s epicenter, officials reported 17 deaths, many attributed to a landslide. The tremor temporarily disrupted power and communication networks there, though services were restored later. General Santos, the city closest to the epicenter, saw 10 fatalities, with another 22 people still unaccounted for. Known as the Philippines’ tuna capital and the birthplace of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, the city faced significant disruption.
Government Response and School Evacuations
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized coordinated efforts to manage the disaster. “The national government is in motion and we will not leave Mindanao behind,” he stated in a press release. Marcos also suspended classes in affected areas, coinciding with the start of the new school year. A video from a primary school in Davao Occidental showed students scrambling to the ground during the quake, with a corrugated-roof shelter collapsing nearby. Despite the chaos, the school confirmed no injuries were reported.
Aftermath and Seismic Activity
More than 130 aftershocks, ranging from 1.3 to 6.7 on the Richter scale, were documented after the main event. The Philippines, situated along the tectonically active “ring of fire,” frequently experiences earthquakes, though most are minor. Notably, a 6.9-magnitude quake in September killed over 70 people in the central Visayas region.
Japan initially issued warnings of tsunami waves up to one metre high, but later observations showed smaller waves in Okinawa and the Ogasawara Islands. Authorities also detected minor tsunami waves in Indonesia, Palau, and the Philippines, with heights ranging from centimeters to 1.4 metres.
“The national government is moving and we will not leave Mindanao behind.”
