At Least 32 Dead After 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southern Philippines

A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday, killing at least 32 people and injuring around 200 others, according to disaster-response officials. The quake, centered offshore near Mindanao, triggered landslides, structural collapses, and minor tsunami waves across parts of the southern archipelago, causing widespread panic and disruption in several provinces.

Authorities said a significant number of fatalities were reported in Sarangani province, where a landslide in the mountainous town of Glan buried several homes, killing at least 13 villagers. Additional deaths were confirmed in nearby areas due to falling debris, collapsed structures, and other quake-related incidents. Officials noted that the death toll may rise further as search and rescue operations continue in remote and heavily affected communities.

In the city of General Santos, a major commercial hub with a population of over 700,000, several small buildings collapsed or were severely damaged, including residential structures and commercial establishments. Disaster officials also reported that a number of people may still be trapped under debris, while at least 12 individuals were listed as missing as emergency teams continued rescue efforts. Public infrastructure, including roads and communication lines, also sustained damage.

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The earthquake triggered panic across the region, with residents rushing into streets as strong tremors were felt. Officials reported that students attending morning school activities fainted or suffered minor injuries due to panic, as schools had just reopened following the summer break. The international airport in General Santos was temporarily shut down, resulting in the cancellation of multiple domestic flights while safety inspections were carried out.

Tsunami warnings were briefly issued after the quake, with waves of up to 1.4 metres recorded in some coastal areas of Sarangani province. Smaller waves were also detected in parts of Indonesia, Palau, and southern Japan, though the threat subsided within hours. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology confirmed that the earthquake occurred at a depth of around 33 kilometres and was followed by aftershocks, including some reaching magnitudes as high as 6.5.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered the immediate mobilisation of disaster-response agencies and the suspension of classes in affected regions as rescue operations intensified. Officials warned residents to avoid damaged buildings due to the risk of aftershocks and further collapses. The Philippines, located along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is highly prone to seismic activity, and authorities continue to monitor the situation as assessment and relief efforts expand across the affected provinces.

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