At least 32 people have died and more than 200 have been injured after a powerful earthquake struck off the southern Philippines early on Monday, causing buildings to collapse, damaging infrastructure and triggering tsunami warnings across parts of the region.
The 7.8-magnitude quake hit offshore near Mindanao, with its epicentre reported close to Sarangani province. It was felt across southern parts of the country and as far as Indonesia’s Sulawesi island.
General Santos City was among the hardest-hit areas, with reports of collapsed buildings and serious damage to critical infrastructure. Rescue and assessment operations were continuing as authorities warned that the casualty toll could rise.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said several strong aftershocks were felt across Mindanao, including one measuring 6.7. Officials said the full scale of the damage was still being assessed.
The quake struck as schools were reopening after the long summer break, sending pupils and residents fleeing from buildings. Images from affected areas showed damaged structures, dust-filled streets and residents gathering outdoors.
Tsunami warnings were issued after the quake and later lifted. Authorities reported tsunami-related damage in parts of the Philippines, while smaller waves were also recorded in Indonesia, Palau and southern Japan.
The Philippines lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active zones, and is frequently hit by earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Source: cnn.gr
