Overview
- The 7.8-magnitude offshore quake struck near Burias off Mindanao on Monday morning and was centered about 35 kilometers below the sea, according to the U.S. Geological Survey and Philippine seismologists.
- Officials report at least 35 people killed and more than 200 injured with many more displaced as teams search collapsed buildings and landslide sites in General Santos, Sarangani province and nearby areas.
- Phivolcs and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued coastal evacuation orders after the quake and then said the immediate tsunami threat had largely passed about five hours later, though localized sea surges were recorded.
- Numerous strong aftershocks followed, several between magnitude 5.8 and 6.4, complicating rescue work and prompting authorities to suspend classes, close some airports and advise people not to re-enter damaged structures.
- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered emergency response and relief efforts while regional teams and international partners stood ready; the disaster highlights the Philippines’ vulnerability on the Pacific Ring of Fire and the risk of ongoing secondary hazards.