Impact of the earthquake in the southern Philippines
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook the southern Philippines on Monday, with its epicenter in the sea off Mindanao. The earthquake claimed the lives of at least 35 people and left more than 200 injured. It caused a one-metre tsunami that hit nearby coasts.
The quake toppled buildings in the port city of General Santos and affected key infrastructure. In Glan, Sarangani municipality, a landslide caused 13 deaths, according to René Punzalan, a disaster mitigation official. Four other people lost their lives in Sarangani.
Teresito Bacolcol, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, called the event the worst earthquake of the year in the country. He warned of aftershocks and asked the population not to return to damaged buildings without inspection.
Reaction of the community and authorities
In Malita, Davao Occidental province, more than 100 students and a dozen teachers experienced the earthquake during a school ceremony. Principal Rosavel Cachuela related: “Her excitement on the first day of school turned into trauma.” Most of the children remained still, which prevented injuries.
In General Santos, at least four people were missing. Rescue teams were searching for trapped people in a collapsed supermarket, warehouse and primary school. The international airport temporarily closed and 17 flights were cancelled.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered the suspension of classes and mobilized disaster agencies. “The national government is acting and we will not leave Mindanao behind,” he declared.
Evolution of the tsunami threat
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported that the danger passed five hours after the earthquake. The Philippines lifted its warning in mid-afternoon. Waves of up to 1.4 meters were reported in Kiamba, Sarangani. Minor tsunamis were also detected in Indonesia, Palau and Japan.
The Philippines is on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. In addition, it suffers about 20 typhoons a year.
