Major Earthquake Strikes Southern Philippines

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake occurred offshore in the southern Philippines on Monday, resulting in at least 32 fatalities and over 200 injuries, primarily in abandoned structures. The quake also generated a 1-meter (3-foot) tsunami that affected nearby beaches.

In General Santos, one of the areas hardest hit, numerous low-rise buildings collapsed or sustained severe damage. Tsunami impacts were noted in at least one coastal village, with minor wave activity also detected as far away as Indonesia and Palau, and even reaching Japan.

The earthquake triggered landslides in Glan, a municipality in Sarangani province, leading to 13 deaths among local residents, according to provincial disaster management official Rene Punzalan. An additional four villagers were killed in the region.

Teresito Bacolcol, from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, stated that this earthquake is the strongest to hit the Philippines this year. He urged the public to be cautious and seek guidance before re-entering damaged buildings, as aftershocks could pose further risks.

International Support Responses

The United States, as an ally, is coordinating with the Philippines and is prepared to assist in the recovery efforts. France and New Zealand have also expressed their support.

Rod Sosmeña, regional director of the Civil Defense Agency, recounted the moment the tremor struck, noting that he initially thought his vehicle had a flat tire due to the violent shaking. He described the chaos as residents fled their homes in panic.

Impact on Schools

The earthquake disrupted a flag-raising ceremony at an elementary school in Marita, Davao Occidental province, where more than 100 students and teachers were gathered. The principal, Rosabel Cachuela, reported that many young kids reacted in fear, but fortunately, most remained safe. However, some structures, including a nearby hut, collapsed and damaged motorcycles.

Search and Rescue Operations

In General Santos, home to over 700,000 people, at least 12 individuals are still unaccounted for. Search teams are actively trying to locate those who may be trapped in collapsed supermarkets, warehouses, schools, and other structures.

The General Santos International Airport was temporarily shuttered due to this disaster, resulting in the cancellation of 17 domestic flights.

This earthquake struck off Mindanao’s coast at a depth of 33 kilometers (20 miles), about 32 kilometers (20 miles) southwest of Maasim town in Sarangani province.

Government Response and Relief Efforts

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate cancellation of classes and directed disaster response teams to commence operations in affected areas, asserting that the government is committed to aiding Mindanao.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center indicated that the tsunami threat had mostly subsided about five hours after the earthquake, and local officials lifted the tsunami warning later in the day. Casualty reports indicated most fatalities resulted from falling debris and collapsed buildings, including damage to mosques in various provinces.

Search and rescue efforts are ongoing as communities begin to assess the damage. Reports indicate that a four-story commercial building in General Santos partially collapsed without causing injuries to staff members, who had evacuated to safety.

Wave Heights and Regional Effects

Waves reaching 1 meter (3 feet) were observed in Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani provinces. At one point, Kiamba town recorded waves as high as 1.4 meters (4.6 feet). The tremor was also felt in Malaysia’s Sabah state, which is geographically close.

Tsunami waves were measured at 83 centimeters (2.7 feet) near Sulawesi, with 30 centimeters (1 foot) reported in Palau. The Japan Meteorological Agency noted 20-centimeter waves in parts of central Japan.

The Philippines frequently faces natural disasters, including earthquakes and volcanic activity, due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Each year, the archipelago is also impacted by around 20 typhoons and tropical storms.