A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 struck the Philippines early Monday, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The quake hit approximately 20 kilometers off Sarangani province, triggering tsunami warnings across several countries in the region.
Devastation in General Santos City
Drone footage captured the aftermath in General Santos City, one of the hardest-hit areas. The video shows tilted houses and buildings with collapsed walls and roofs. The tremors were felt strongly across Mindanao and as far away as Manado, Indonesia, which is located 420 kilometers from the epicenter.
Casualties and Damage
At least 35 people have died and 144 others have been injured across Mindanao. Most casualties resulted from falling debris and landslides triggered by the quake. The disaster comes eight months after a shallow 6.9 magnitude earthquake off Cebu killed 79 people, marking the deadliest tremor in the Philippines in 12 years. Two more strong quakes hit Mindanao two weeks later, with the strongest reaching magnitude 7.4.
Authorities continue to assess the damage and rescue efforts are underway. The earthquake serves as a grim reminder of the seismic activity that frequently affects the Philippines, which lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
