A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday, killing at least 35 people. The quake triggered landslides, building collapses, and tsunami warnings across the region. The disaster matters as rescue operations continue amid rising casualties and missing persons.
According to provincial authorities, the death toll reached at least 35, with more than a dozen people still missing. National disaster officials also reported 134 injuries across affected areas. In General Santos, early reports confirmed at least 12 deaths.
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Meanwhile, strong aftershocks continued to shake the region for hours after the initial quake. The largest aftershock reached a magnitude of 6.5, according to the United States Geological Survey. Authorities urged residents in coastal zones to move to higher ground immediately.
In addition, rescue teams worked through the night in heavily damaged areas. In General Santos, workers dug through rubble to reach trapped residents inside collapsed buildings. Landslides in Sarangani province also buried homes, killing at least 14 people in one municipality.
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Furthermore, tsunami warnings were issued across several Pacific countries but later lifted. President Ferdinand Marcos ordered evacuations and suspended classes across Mindanao as a precaution. The Philippines, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent seismic activity and remains highly vulnerable to major earthquakes.