At least 19 killed in strong earthquake hitting southern Philippines

A magnitude-7.8 earthquake struck the southern Philippines early Monday, resulting in at least 19 deaths and the collapse of numerous buildings.

Robert Dagon of the General Santos City police stated that many structures were damaged, though rescue efforts are currently the priority. Agency spokesperson Junie Castillo reported 19 feared dead, 134 injured, and 12 missing, noting that these figures are still being verified.

The office of civil defence cautioned the public against entering compromised buildings due to the risk of aftershocks. Footage verified by CuriosityNews shows the upper floor of a Jollibee restaurant and the exterior walls of a commercial complex collapsing in General Santos City. In Davao del Sur, a video from Bombo Radyo captured part of a high school collapsing as students assembled outside. Additionally, a convenience store in General Santos City suffered a destroyed entrance with glass and furniture scattered across the street.

Power outages occurred, and residents were advised to move to higher ground. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported the quake struck at 7.37 am local time, located 8 miles southwest of General Santos City, Mindanao, at a depth of 6.2 miles. The US Geological Survey recorded the magnitude at 7.8 with a depth of 34 miles.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially warned of potential waves up to 3 metres in the Philippines and 1 metre in Indonesia and Malaysia, though it later announced the threat had largely passed. Tremors were also felt in Indonesia’s North Maluku and North Sulawesi provinces.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr stated that evacuation centers are operational while government agencies assess damage and clear rescue routes. He ordered the suspension of schools in affected areas, emphasizing that the safety of children is the priority.

The quake occurred as schools reopened for the academic year. A video from Mahayhay elementary school in Davao showed pupils fleeing in panic during a morning flag ceremony. The Philippines Red Cross provided support to students traumatized at three high schools.

Located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” the Philippines is highly prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, and typically faces approximately 20 tropical storms and typhoons annually.