Mindanao (National Times) A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of the southern Philippines early Monday, killing at least 15 people, injuring more than 120 others, and triggering tsunami warnings across parts of Southeast Asia and Japan.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred shortly before 7:40 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located about 32 kilometers west of Maasim in Sarangani Province on Mindanao Island. The quake struck at a depth of approximately 33 kilometers beneath the seabed.
The tremor was felt across several provinces in the Philippines and as far away as Indonesia’s Sulawesi Island. Authorities reported more than 130 aftershocks by late morning, including one measuring magnitude 6.7.
Casualties and Damage
The Philippine Office of Civil Defense is verifying reports that at least 15 people were killed and 129 injured, most of them due to falling debris and structural collapses. Officials warned that casualty figures could rise as assessments continue.
Significant damage was reported in parts of Mindanao. In General Santos City, a building housing a fast-food restaurant collapsed, sending panicked residents fleeing as dust filled the air. A local hospital was evacuated after cracks appeared in upper floors, while a building at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University also collapsed. No occupants were reported inside at the time.
Images from Sarangani Province showed shattered windows, damaged storefronts, fallen signs, and piles of concrete rubble scattered across affected communities.
Tsunami Warnings Issued
Following the quake, tsunami alerts were issued for southern Philippines, northern Indonesia, and Malaysia’s Sabah state. Japan’s Meteorological Agency also issued an advisory after detecting small tsunami waves measuring up to 0.2 meters, prompting precautionary beach closures and temporary ferry disruptions.
Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency reported waves reaching up to 0.75 meters in parts of North Sulawesi. Residents in vulnerable coastal communities, including the Sangihe Islands near the Philippine border, were evacuated to higher ground as a precaution.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System initially warned that several countries around the region could be affected, while Australia monitored potential impacts along its northern coastline.
Government Response
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered an immediate disaster response operation across Mindanao, directing government agencies to prepare relief supplies, evacuation centers, and rescue teams.
“The national government is moving and we will not leave Mindanao behind,” Marcos said in a statement.
The Philippine military deployed disaster response units to affected areas, while local authorities continued damage assessments and search operations.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as buildings shook violently. In one school, students were seen rushing to safety after a temporary shelter collapsed moments after the quake struck.
Police officials in Sarangani said the earthquake occurred during a flag-raising ceremony, causing several people to faint from shock.
Region on High Alert
The earthquake comes just eight months after the Philippines experienced its deadliest earthquake in more than a decade. The country, along with neighboring Indonesia, lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active regions.
As rescue and recovery efforts continue, authorities remain on alert for additional aftershocks and potential secondary hazards in affected communities.
