Philippines earthquake kills at least 35 people, unleashes small tsunami
Philippines Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Warnings, Claims 35 Lives
Philippines earthquake kills at least 35 people – Manila, Philippines — A 7.8-magnitude earthquake rattled the southern Philippines on Monday, prompting officials to report at least 35 deaths as of the day. The disaster, centered near the coast off Mindanao, the second most populous island in the archipelago, was primarily blamed for triggering landslides that crushed homes in the mountainous region of Sarangani province. The tremor also generated minor tsunami waves, which were observed in coastal areas of Zamboanga del Sur and as far as southern Japan and Indonesia.
Strongest Quake of the Year, Aftershocks Loom
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PVOI) confirmed the quake as the most powerful to hit the country this year. Teresito Bacolcol, a PVOI official, emphasized the danger of aftershocks, advising residents to remain cautious before re-entering damaged structures. “It’s a major earthquake,” Bacolcol said, stressing the importance of seeking guidance from authorities to avoid secondary collapses.
“Our pickup truck suddenly jerked and I thought we had a flat tire,” shared Rod Sosmeña, the regional director of the Office of Civil Defense. He was in General Santos, a city with over 700,000 residents, when the quake struck at 7:37 a.m. “The shaking was very strong, and people dashed out of houses into the streets.”
Ednar Dayanghirang, another disaster-response official, recounted the chaos in Davao, a southern port city. “I was barely able to stand and keep my balance when the ground shook as I left my house,” he said, highlighting the widespread panic. The quake’s epicenter, approximately 20 miles southwest of Maasim town in Sarangani province, was reported to be at a depth of 20 miles by local authorities. However, the U.S. Geological Survey noted a depth of 34 miles, underscoring the variability in seismic measurements during the immediate aftermath.
Tragedy in Sarangani: Landslides Claim Lives
Rene Punzalan, a Sarangani province disaster-mitigation official, detailed the devastation in the town of Glan. “Thirteen villagers were killed when a landslide triggered by the earthquake destroyed homes,” he said. Four additional fatalities in Sarangani were attributed to unclear causes, leaving experts to investigate further. The tremor caused structural failures in small buildings, with a popular hamburger joint in General Santos among the damaged properties.
General Santos, a vital hub for tuna exports and regional trade, faced significant disruption. Public schools reopened nationwide on Monday after summer break, but in this city, students were caught in the chaos. Dayanghirang reported that over 100 pupils participating in morning flag-raising ceremonies sustained injuries, with some collapsing from panic. Meanwhile, Sosmeña confirmed that at least 19 people were killed, with the majority perishing in collapsed buildings and landslides. He also noted that authorities were assessing reports of students trapped in a two-story school that collapsed, though specifics remained pending.
Coastal Damage and Evacuations
In Zamboanga del Sur, a coastal village, six shanties on stilts were damaged by the quake and subsequent waves. The Philippine government swiftly lifted tsunami warnings by mid-afternoon, following assessments that the threat had largely subsided. However, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that the danger was minimal after five hours, as the waves grew too weak to pose a major threat.
The earthquake also triggered a series of aftershocks, some registering as high as 6.5 magnitude. These tremors added to the confusion and displacement of thousands of villagers. The Office of Civil Defense reported that many were forced to flee their homes, with some still sheltering in temporary locations. The Bureau of Fire and Rescue Services joined efforts to search for survivors in damaged buildings and warehouses, though no specific details were provided about their operations.
Disruption to Daily Life
The quake’s impact extended beyond physical damage. The General Santos International Airport was temporarily closed, resulting in the cancellation of 17 domestic flights. Transportation and communication networks faced strain, with emergency services prioritizing rescue operations. Meanwhile, the DZRH radio network in Manila noted that its provincial station, located in a commercial building, partially collapsed. Staffers fled to the ground floor unharmed, though the incident underscored the vulnerability of infrastructure in the region.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued an urgent directive, canceling classes and mobilizing disaster-response agencies to assist affected provinces. “The national government is moving and we will not leave Mindanao behind,” he stated, reflecting the nation’s commitment to recovery. The president’s announcement came amid ongoing assessments of the quake’s aftermath, with officials working to stabilize communities and provide relief to those displaced.
Community Resilience and Ongoing Concerns
Despite the destruction, local leaders highlighted community resilience. In Sarangani, Punzalan described the efforts to rescue survivors and clear debris from the landslide-affected area. Similarly, in Davao, Dayanghirang praised the quick response of residents and emergency personnel. However, concerns lingered over the risk of aftershocks and the potential for further landslides in the mountainous regions.
Authorities continued to update the public on casualties and damage. The national police confirmed that at least 12 people were missing in General Santos, with searches ongoing. Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense spokesperson, Junie Castillo, emphasized the need for continued vigilance, as the quake’s effects rippled through both urban and rural areas. The event serves as a stark reminder of the region’s susceptibility to seismic activity and the importance of preparedness in disaster-prone zones.
As the situation stabilizes, officials are working to assess the full extent of the quake’s impact. The Philippines, known for its frequent seismic events, remains on high alert. The earthquake not only tested the resilience of infrastructure but also the coordination of emergency services across the archipelago. With over 35 lives lost and communities disrupted, the focus remains on recovery and rebuilding in the wake of this natural disaster.