35 Dead, Many Injured After Massive Earthquake Strikes Mindanao
The death toll from the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao has risen to 35, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
As of Monday evening, authorities reported 31 fatalities in the SOCCSKSARGEN region and four in the Davao Region. Among the hardest-hit areas were Sarangani Province, General Santos City, and South Cotabato. In addition to the fatalities, more than 130 people were reported injured, while several others remained missing as rescue and recovery operations continued.
The earthquake, which occurred offshore south of General Santos City, caused widespread destruction across affected communities. Strong aftershocks followed the main quake, with one reaching a magnitude of 6.5, increasing fears among residents and complicating rescue efforts. Emergency responders worked through damaged structures, including commercial buildings and residential areas, in search of survivors and victims trapped beneath debris.
One of the deadliest incidents occurred in Sarangani Province, where a landslide triggered by the earthquake buried several homes located near a mountainside. The disaster claimed numerous lives and highlighted the severe impact of secondary hazards associated with major earthquakes. Authorities also faced significant challenges due to power outages and communication disruptions, making it difficult to gather information from remote communities and assess the full extent of the damage.
The earthquake damaged several public and private structures, including schools, shopping centers, and transportation facilities. Videos circulating online showed buildings collapsing and residents fleeing to safety during the shaking. Many families were evacuated after a tsunami warning was issued for coastal areas. More than 2,000 residents sought temporary shelter while authorities monitored the situation. The warning was later lifted after assessments confirmed that the threat had passed.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension of classes across Mindanao and urged residents in coastal communities to move to higher ground immediately as a precaution. Meanwhile, General Santos Airport was temporarily closed after sustaining damage.
The Philippines regularly experiences earthquakes because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most active seismic zones.
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