12 Dead, over 200 injured after powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake strikes Philippines
A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of the Philippines on Monday, killing at least 12 people, injuring more than 200 others and triggering tsunami waves along nearby coastlines, authorities said.
The offshore earthquake struck at 7:37 a.m. local time near Mindanao, with its epicentre located southwest of Maasim town in Sarangani province. The tremor was felt across large parts of southern Philippines and even in neighbouring Malaysia, sparking panic among residents and forcing evacuations.
According to Philippine disaster management officials, at least seven people were killed and around 130 injured in General Santos City, one of the worst-hit areas. Several buildings suffered structural damage, a key access bridge developed dangerous cracks, and reports emerged of students being trapped inside a collapsed school building.
Five additional fatalities were reported from South Cotabato, Davao Occidental and Balut Island. Authorities also confirmed that several people remain missing as rescue operations continue.
The earthquake triggered tsunami waves of up to one metre along the coasts of Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat provinces. Smaller tsunami waves were also recorded in Indonesia and Malaysia, prompting regional warnings. However, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center later announced that the threat had largely subsided, and no casualties linked directly to the tsunami have been reported.
Public schools, which had reopened after the summer break, witnessed scenes of panic as students rushed out of classrooms and assembly grounds. More than 100 students reportedly suffered minor injuries, bruises or fainting spells during evacuation efforts.
The quake also disrupted transportation and infrastructure. General Santos International Airport was temporarily shut down, leading to the cancellation of at least 17 domestic flights. Several roads, bridges and commercial structures sustained damage, while authorities continue inspections to assess the full extent of losses.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured affected communities of government support, saying national agencies were mobilising resources for rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Officials reported numerous aftershocks following the main quake, raising concerns about further structural damage. Emergency teams have been deployed across the affected regions, while hospitals remain on alert to treat the injured.
The Philippines is among the world's most disaster-prone countries due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity occur. The country also faces regular typhoons and other natural disasters each year.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid damaged structures and follow official advisories as aftershocks continue to be monitored.
