Philippines Earthquake: Terrifying Moments in Schools, Millions of Students Affected

Students at Mahayahay Elementary School in Davao Occidental, Philippines, experienced terrifying moments as a canopy collapsed during a powerful earthquake on June 8. The incident occurred as public schools across the Philippines reopened after a summer break.

Allan Farnazo Dayanghirang, a disaster response official, reported that over 100 students participating in a morning flag ceremony in the southern Philippines sustained minor injuries. Some fainted from panic when the earthquake struck. A video verified by the Associated Press shows the ground shaking violently, causing students and teachers to sway. Students were instructed to crouch low, but a subsequent tremor caused a metal roof to collapse near them. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured at this school.

The earthquake's impact extended to millions of students. According to the Department of Education, over 3.2 million students and nearly 129,000 education personnel were affected in 6,224 public schools across five regions. Classes have been temporarily suspended for safety inspections of classrooms and facilities. Evacuations are underway in coordination with local authorities and disaster management agencies.

Beyond the Philippines, the earthquake prompted tsunami warnings for coastal areas in Indonesia and Malaysia, though Indonesia later lifted its warning. Japan also issued tsunami advisories for Pacific coastal regions, with recorded waves reaching about 20 centimeters.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos ordered a halt to classes on Mindanao island and urged coastal residents to evacuate immediately. "Move to higher ground now. Don't wait. Your life is more important than anything left behind," Marcos emphasized. Soldiers from the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division are involved in rescue, damage assessment, and relief operations.

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Move to higher ground now. Don't wait. Your life is more important than anything left behind.