32 killed, buildings damaged after strong quake in Philippines

A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Sarangani province in the southern Philippines on Monday morning, leaving at least 32 people dead and causing widespread damage to buildings. Local authorities reported that numerous structures collapsed, and landslides occurred due to the strong tremors.

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10 victims were reported in South Cotabato's General Santos, a port city with a population of over 700,000, and at least 12 people remain missing so far.

Junie Castillo, spokesperson for the Philippines' Office of Civil Defence, confirmed that 10 victims were in General Santos, a port city, and at least 12 people remain missing. The fatalities resulted from falling debris, building collapses, and landslides. The Philippine National Police reported over 134 injuries. A two-story school building in General Santos collapsed with students inside, and authorities are verifying the details of this incident.

Online videos depicted university and restaurant buildings in affected areas crumbling, with commercial facilities sustaining structural damage, including shattered windows and fallen signs. Residents fled buildings to seek safety as the powerful earthquake hit shortly after schools reopened following a summer break. Surveillance footage captured violent shaking, prompting teachers and students to evacuate or take shelter.

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The deaths were caused by falling debris, building collapse and landslides.

The Department of Education ordered over 5,800 affected schools to suspend classes for student safety. General Santos International Airport suspended operations for safety inspections, and three airlines canceled 17 domestic flights. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology confirmed the earthquake's epicenter was near Mindanao with a focal depth of 33 kilometers. Tsunami alerts were issued by the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan but were subsequently canceled.

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The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology confirmed that the magnitude 7.8 earthquake jolted waters near Mindanao at 7:37 a.m., with a focal depth of 33 kilometers.