Powerful 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Off Southern Philippines, 15 Feared Dead
A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the southern Philippines on Monday, leaving at least 15 people feared dead and triggering tsunami warnings across several countries in Southeast Asia and the Pacific region.
The quake hit offshore near Mindanao’s Sarangani province at a shallow depth, shaking a wide area across the southern Philippines and parts of Indonesia, including Manado in Sulawesi, nearly 420 kilometres away. Authorities said the tremors were strong enough to be felt across multiple provinces, causing panic as people rushed out of buildings early in the morning when schools were reopening.
Philippine officials are still verifying casualty reports, but initial assessments suggest at least 15 deaths and more than 100 injuries, mostly caused by falling debris and collapsing structures. The full extent of the damage remains unclear as emergency teams continue to reach affected areas and conduct rescue operations.
Tsunami alerts were issued shortly after the quake in the southern Philippines, northern Indonesia and Malaysia’s Sabah region, prompting evacuations along coastal areas. In parts of Indonesia’s North Sulawesi, small tsunami waves were recorded, and residents in vulnerable communities moved to higher ground as a precaution.
Significant damage was reported in several locations in Mindanao, including General Santos City, where drone footage showed collapsed buildings and widespread destruction. A fast-food restaurant structure collapsed, while a hospital in the city was evacuated after cracks appeared in upper floors. At a local university, part of a building gave way, though it was confirmed that no one was inside at the time.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered immediate disaster response operations, including the deployment of emergency supplies and rescue teams to affected regions. He said the government was mobilising all available resources and pledged continued support for Mindanao as assessments continued.
The Philippine military and local emergency agencies have been deployed to assist with search and rescue efforts, while authorities warned that aftershocks could continue. The Philippine seismology agency reported at least nine aftershocks, including one measuring magnitude 6.7, raising further concerns about structural stability in affected areas.
Neighbouring countries, including Indonesia and Malaysia, expressed concern and offered assistance, while Japan and Australia issued precautionary tsunami advisories. Officials said the region remains on alert due to the risk of additional seismic activity along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most earthquake-prone zones in the world.
