Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake Strikes off Mindanao – At Least 32 Dead, Southern Philippines in Shock
Powerful Earthquake Hits Monday Morning
On Monday morning at 7:37 a.m. local time, a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao, in the southern Philippines. The epicenter was located approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) offshore from Sarangani Province, about 65 kilometers (40 miles) southwest of General Santos City, at a depth of 33 kilometers (20 miles). It is the strongest earthquake to hit the Philippines this year.
Human and Material Toll: Heavy Losses
Casualties:
At least 32 people have been confirmed dead and 134 injured, according to civil defense officials. Other reports indicate the death toll may have risen to 35, with more than 200 people injured. Most fatalities were caused by falling debris and landslides.
Landslide Disaster:
A landslide in Glan, Sarangani Province, killed 13 villagers.
General Santos City:
Seven deaths have been confirmed in the port city of General Santos, home to approximately 700,000 residents. Several buildings collapsed, including a Jollibee restaurant that was captured on live video. Part of Matanao National High School also collapsed.
Displaced Residents:
Tens of thousands of people have been displaced as buildings were damaged or destroyed and several bridges suffered structural damage.
Tsunami Alerts and Aftershocks
Tsunami Warning:
Tsunami alerts were issued in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Palau, and as far as Japan. Waves of approximately one meter (3.3 feet) were reported along nearby coastlines. Indonesia's Sulawesi Island recorded tsunami waves measuring up to 2.7 feet.
Aftershocks:
By 11:00 a.m. local time, authorities had recorded 138 aftershocks ranging in magnitude from 1.3 to 6.7. Officials are urging residents not to return to damaged buildings due to the risk of further collapses.
Eyewitness Accounts: “I've Never Experienced Anything Like It”
Jojo Calma, a 44-year-old tricycle driver from General Santos City, shared:
“It was the first time I had ever experienced something that powerful. I couldn't help but cry. I was thinking about my children and my niece.” His children were at school when the earthquake struck.
Rod Sosmeña, Regional Director of Civil Defense, said:“Our pickup truck suddenly started moving, and I thought we had a flat tire. The shaking was extremely strong, and people rushed out of their homes.”
Government Response
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered an immediate emergency response.
“Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything you leave behind.”
He also assured residents: “The national government is moving, and we will not abandon Mindanao.”
Military personnel and emergency rescue teams have been deployed across affected areas. Operations at General Santos International Airport were temporarily suspended while safety inspections were conducted. The United States, France, Japan, and New Zealand have expressed their support and offered assistance to the Philippines.
The Pacific Ring of Fire
The Philippines and Indonesia experience hundreds of earthquakes every year because they lie along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world's most active seismic zones. Eight months ago, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Cebu, resulting in 79 deaths.
940 Gospel Radio
Today, our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Mindanao. A magnitude 7.8 earthquake. Thirty-two lives lost. Thousands affected and displaced. "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." — Psalm 46:1
May God bring comfort to grieving families, healing to the injured, and strength to all rescue workers serving in this difficult time.
