Powerful Earthquake Kills at Least 35 in Southern Philippines

Powerful Earthquake Kills at Least 35 in Southern Philippines
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A powerful magnitude-7.8 earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday, killing at least 35 people and causing widespread damage across parts of Mindanao.

The offshore quake hit near Sarangani province and was strongly felt in General Santos City and surrounding areas. Authorities said many of the deaths and injuries were caused by falling debris, collapsed structures and landslides. Emergency teams continued to assess damage as rescue operations moved forward.

Several buildings were damaged or collapsed, including commercial structures in General Santos City, while reports from Davao del Sur said part of a school building also gave way as students gathered outside. Power outages and damage to roads and infrastructure were reported in affected areas.

Tsunami warnings were issued for coastal areas in the southern Philippines, northern Indonesia and Sabah in Malaysia, prompting residents to move to higher ground. The alerts were later lifted after monitoring by regional authorities.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said evacuation centers were ready and that government agencies were working to clear routes for rescue and relief operations. Classes in affected areas were suspended as officials warned residents not to enter damaged buildings because of possible aftershocks.

The Philippines lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and is regularly exposed to earthquakes, volcanic activity and other natural disasters.