At least 15 people have been confirmed dead after a powerful earthquake struck the Philippines on Monday morning, causing significant destruction, disrupting daily activities, and prompting tsunami warnings across parts of Asia.
According to seismic monitoring agencies, the magnitude 7.8 earthquake occurred off the coast of Mindanao Island at approximately 7:40 a.m. local time. The tremor was followed by a series of strong aftershocks that continued for more than an hour.
One of the hardest-hit areas was General Santos City in southern Mindanao, where several buildings suffered severe structural damage. Authorities reported that the quake was felt at a very strong intensity level, leading to panic among residents.
Videos circulating online showed the collapse of a three-storey commercial building that housed a popular fast-food outlet. Large clouds of dust filled the air as shocked residents watched the structure come down.
Additional reports revealed extensive damage to homes, businesses, and public facilities, with shattered windows, cracked walls, and collapsed roofs recorded across affected communities.
Emergency officials also confirmed that sections of St. Elizabeth Hospital in General Santos were badly damaged. Medical personnel were forced to evacuate patients and continue emergency operations outside the main hospital complex.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as roads shook violently and trees swayed during the quake. Some educational facilities reportedly suffered partial structural failures.
In response, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr directed emergency response agencies to begin rescue and relief operations immediately. The government also ordered the temporary closure of schools in affected regions as a precautionary measure.
Officials stated that more than 3 million students and over 120,000 teachers and school personnel were affected, as the earthquake occurred on the scheduled first day of the academic session.
Authorities initially issued tsunami alerts for several countries in the region, including the Philippines and Indonesia. While most warnings were later withdrawn, a tsunami advisory remained in effect for parts of southern Japan, where residents were advised to avoid coastal areas and riverbanks until further notice.
Rescue teams continue to assess the extent of the damage, while emergency services remain on high alert as aftershocks persist across the affected region.
