Rescue crews searched damaged buildings in the southern Philippines after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck offshore, killing at least 37 people and forcing tens of thousands from their homes.
The earthquake struck near Sarangani province, south of Mindanao, and caused severe damage across several communities. Authorities reported hundreds of injuries, while rescue teams continued checking collapsed structures for people who could still be trapped beneath the debris.
Rescue Teams Search Damaged Buildings
General Santos City was among the hardest-hit areas. Emergency workers searched a collapsed commercial building where people were believed to be trapped, using heavy equipment and specialised rescue teams.
The disaster also caused landslides and building collapses in surrounding areas. In Sarangani province, several deaths were linked to a landslide that buried homes in the town of Glan.
Thousands Forced From Their Homes
More than 32,000 people were displaced in the immediate aftermath, with many moving into temporary evacuation centres because of continuing aftershocks and concerns about damaged buildings.
Government assessments initially found damage to thousands of houses as well as schools, hospitals, roads and other public infrastructure. Classes were suspended while authorities inspected buildings for structural damage.
Tsunami Warning Later Lifted
The offshore earthquake also prompted tsunami warnings in parts of the region. Waves were recorded along sections of the Philippine coast, while smaller waves reached other areas including Indonesia.
The warnings were later lifted after authorities determined that the immediate tsunami threat had passed.
Relief Operations Continue
National and local disaster agencies mobilised emergency personnel, medical teams and equipment to affected communities. Power and communications disruptions complicated the initial response in some areas.
Officials continued monitoring aftershocks while engineers assessed damaged buildings and infrastructure. The earthquake struck in a region of the Pacific Ring of Fire, where strong seismic activity is common.
The scale of the damage meant recovery was expected to take time, with authorities continuing rescue, relief and structural assessment operations across southern Mindanao.
