Powerful Earthquake Strikes Southern Philippines, Killing at Least 32

A powerful earthquake struck off the southern Philippines coast on Monday, killing at least 32 people and injuring more than 200 others as buildings collapsed across Mindanao, sending residents fleeing from homes, schools, and offices and triggering tsunami warnings around the region. The magnitude 7.8 quake struck near Mindanao shortly before 7:40 AM local time at a depth of about 35 km, according to the US Geological Survey. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said that 138 aftershocks had been recorded by 11:00 AM local time (03:00 GMT), including one of magnitude 6.1. Several mostly low-rise buildings collapsed or suffered heavy damage in the hard-hit city of General Santos, where rescue teams continued searching through rubble. A 1-meter tsunami struck nearby coastlines, damaging at least one southern coastal village, while smaller waves were recorded in Indonesia, Palau, and as far away as southern Japan. Authorities said damage assessments were continuing across Mindanao. Videos circulating on social media show buildings swaying, ceilings and walls cracking, debris falling into streets, and panicked residents running from homes, shops, and offices. Other videos show damaged structures and partial collapses, as emergency services were deployed to inspect roads, bridges, ports, power lines, and public buildings in affected areas of Mindanao. “Many buildings were affected, but I cannot enumerate them now because we are busy with ongoing rescues,” Master Sergeant Robert Dagon of the General Santos City police told AFP, adding that several structures, including homes, collapsed The police station in Alabel town, Sarangani province, was damaged during the earthquake, which struck as officers were taking part in a flag-raising ceremony, the local police chief told Reuters Tsunami warnings were issued for several coastal areas following the quake. The authorities urged people in affected coastal zones to leave beaches, harbors, and low-lying areas, and to follow evacuation orders until the tsunami threat passed. Tsunami waves were recorded in six areas of Mindanao from 7:42 to 8:45 AM local time, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. The highest wave measured 1.4 meters along the island’s southern coast. The agency said tsunami warnings remained in force. Waves of 0.09 to 0.19 meters were later detected at three locations along Indonesia’s coast, according to the country’s meteorological agency. The Japanese authorities warned that tsunami waves up to 1 meter high could hit the southern Okinawa islands and coastal areas along the country’s Pacific coast. The Philippines lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active zones, and is frequently hit by earthquakes, volcanic activity, and severe storms. Officials warned that aftershocks were possible and advised people to remain outdoors or in safe open areas until structures can be inspected. The quake was also reportedly felt in parts of eastern Indonesia, including North Sulawesi and North Maluku, according to early regional reports.