A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the southern Philippines has displaced more than 32,000 people, killed at least 37, and injured nearly 500, as widespread panic over possible tsunami forced thousands to flee coastal and inland communities.
Rescue teams continued search and recovery operations on Wednesday across damaged areas in Mindanao, the country’s second-largest island, a day after one of the strongest quakes to hit the nation in decades. Officials said only four people are still listed as missing, but warned that ongoing structural damage assessments could reveal additional casualties.
The quake, which was centred offshore near Sarangani province, triggered fears of a tsunami, prompting mass evacuations. While waves up to 1.4 metres were recorded, authorities confirmed that only minor damage occurred along coastal villages, with no major tsunami impact reported across the region.
The hardest-hit areas include General Santos City, where at least 13 deaths were recorded due to collapsing buildings and falling debris. In Sarangani province, 18 people were killed in landslides that buried homes in mountainous communities. Additional fatalities were reported in South Cotabato, Davao Occidental and Balut Island.
Authorities said more than 2,500 houses and over 100 government buildings have been damaged. Key infrastructure was also affected, with General Santos airport closed for a second day, forcing the cancellation of dozens of flights. Nearly 6,000 school buildings are currently being inspected for safety before classes can resume.
The earthquake struck on the first day of the school term after a long holiday break, with many students among the injured during morning activities. Officials have warned that aftershocks remain a serious threat, particularly to already weakened structures.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has ordered emergency response teams to the affected regions to oversee rescue operations and coordinate relief efforts.
The Philippines, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” remains highly vulnerable to earthquakes, volcanic activity and extreme weather events, making disaster preparedness a continuing national priority.