At Least 19 Killed as Powerful Earthquake Hits Southern Philippines

At least 19 people have died and more than 130 others have been injured after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao in the southern Philippines, authorities said.

The earthquake occurred at 7:37 a.m. local time on Monday, triggering tsunami alerts across several countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan and Australia. Some of the warnings were later lifted after assessments showed a reduced threat.

Images and videos circulating on social media showed extensive damage in affected areas, including footage of a branch of Jollibee collapsing into rubble following the quake.

Local officials reported at least 134 injuries across the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani, as well as in the city of General Santos. The figures are expected to be reviewed and verified by the country’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The national disaster agency typically releases its official casualty and damage assessment after gathering reports from local governments, police units and emergency response agencies.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said government agencies were working together to respond to the disaster and assist affected communities.

“The national government is moving and we will not leave Mindanao behind,” the president said in a statement.

Marcos also ordered the suspension of classes in affected areas. The earthquake struck on the first day of the new school year, disrupting activities across parts of southern Philippines.

A video shared by a primary school in Davao Occidental showed frightened students crouching on shaking ground as the tremor struck. The footage also captured a nearby corrugated-roof structure collapsing. School officials later reported that no injuries occurred at the site.

Seismologists recorded more than 130 aftershocks following the main earthquake, with magnitudes ranging from 1.3 to 6.7, raising concerns about additional structural damage and risks to residents.

In the coastal province of Sarangani, power and communication services were temporarily disrupted before being restored.

General Santos, located near the quake’s epicentre, is widely known as the Philippines’ tuna industry hub and as the hometown of boxing legend and politician Manny Pacquiao.

The Philippines experiences frequent seismic activity because it lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region characterized by intense tectonic movement and volcanic activity. While many earthquakes in the country cause limited damage, stronger events have proven devastating. In September last year, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the Visayas region, resulting in more than 70 deaths.

Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage from Monday’s quake as rescue and relief operations remain underway across affected communities.