A powerful magnitude-7.8 earthquake struck the southern Philippines early Monday, causing widespread destruction, collapsing buildings, and leaving at least 15 people dead, according to Agence France-Presse.
The strong quake rattled parts of Mindanao island, triggering panic among residents and prompting emergency rescue operations. According to Agence France-Presse, authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage as rescue teams continue to search affected areas.
“Many buildings were affected, but I cannot enumerate them now because we are busy with ongoing rescues,” Robert Dagon, of the General Santos city police, told Agence France-Presse.
The national disaster agency reported that at least 15 people lost their lives in the disaster. According to Agence France-Presse, 12 fatalities were recorded in the Soccsksargen region of Mindanao, while three deaths were confirmed in Davao Occidental province.
Authorities have warned residents to remain cautious in the aftermath of the quake. Agence France-Presse reported that the Office of Civil Defence urged people to avoid entering damaged homes, buildings, and infrastructure due to the ongoing threat of powerful aftershocks.
Videos verified by media outlets showed significant structural damage near the quake's epicentre. According to Agence France-Presse, footage captured the collapse of the upper floor of a Jollibee restaurant, one of the Philippines' most popular fast-food chains. Other videos showed the outer concrete walls of a commercial complex crumbling in General Santos City.
In Davao del Sur, part of a high school building collapsed as students gathered outside. Video footage shared by local radio network Bombo Radyo showed the scene as frightened students moved away from the damaged structure.
Images from General Santos City revealed extensive destruction, including a convenience store whose entrance was severely damaged. Smashed glass, overturned benches, and debris littered the surrounding streets.
Agence France-Presse reported that power outages were recorded in several areas following the earthquake. Residents in vulnerable coastal regions were also advised to move to higher ground as a precautionary measure. Authorities said further information regarding casualties and damage was still being compiled.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the earthquake's epicentre was located approximately 13 kilometres southwest of General Santos City at a depth of around 10 kilometres. The quake struck at 7:37 a.m. local time. Meanwhile, the US Geological Survey measured the earthquake at magnitude 7.8 and estimated a depth of 34 miles.
Shortly after the earthquake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts warning that waves of up to 3 metres (10 feet) could affect parts of the Philippines. Agence France-Presse reported that waves of up to 1 metre were also considered possible along some coastlines in Indonesia and Malaysia. However, a later update stated that the tsunami threat had largely subsided.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said evacuation centres were fully operational and ready to assist affected communities. Government agencies have been deployed to evaluate the extent of damage and clear roads needed for rescue and relief operations.
The earthquake's tremors were also felt beyond the Philippines. According to Agence France-Presse, residents in Indonesia's North Sulawesi and North Maluku provinces reported experiencing strong shaking.
The Philippines is among the most disaster-prone nations in the world due to its location along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a region known for intense seismic and volcanic activity.
The country is regularly affected by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and around 20 typhoons or tropical storms every year.
The quake struck as public schools across the country reopened for a new academic year. A video from Mahayhay Elementary School in Davao showed panicked students scrambling for safety during the morning flag ceremony as the ground shook.
The Philippine Red Cross said it had deployed teams to at least three high schools to provide assistance and psychological support to students traumatised by the disaster.
In response to the emergency, President Marcos Jr ordered the suspension of classes in the affected regions until further notice. “The safety of our children comes first,” he said.
Emergency responders remain on high alert as authorities continue rescue efforts and assess the full impact of one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the Philippines in recent years.
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