Philippines rocked by 7.8 magnitude earthquake, at least 16 dead, tsunami warnings issued

A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the southern Philippines on December 8, resulting in at least 16 fatalities and extensive damage. The tremor, centered off the coast of Mindanao, caused buildings to collapse and triggered tsunami waves along coastal areas.

In the port city of General Santos, at least seven people died and approximately 130 were injured. A two-story school building collapsed, trapping students, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations. The city's international airport was temporarily closed, leading to the cancellation of 17 domestic flights.

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At least seven people died and about 130 were injured in General Santos, and some buildings collapsed.

Beyond General Santos, nine additional deaths were reported in the southern regions of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and Balut Island due to falling debris and landslides. Residents described intense shaking that made it difficult to stand. Many students suffered minor injuries or fainted from fear during the earthquake.

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The ground shook so hard when I was about to leave the house that it was almost impossible to stand.

The earthquake occurred at approximately 7:37 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located about 26 kilometers southwest of Kablalan, Mindanao, at a depth of 55 kilometers, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The German Research Centre for Geosciences reported a magnitude of 7.8 and a depth of 10 kilometers.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology director Teresito Bacolcol stated this was the strongest earthquake to hit the Philippines this year. Tsunami waves of over 1 meter were observed in Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani, with one wave reaching 1.4 meters in Kiamba. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center later announced that the tsunami threat had largely passed.

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This earthquake is the strongest earthquake to occur in the Philippines this year.