A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake has struck the southern Philippines, causing deadly destruction across parts of Mindanao and leaving communities shaken by repeated aftershocks.
Early reports placed the toll at at least 19 dead and 134 injured, but later reporting from Reuters and AP put the death toll higher, with rescue operations still underway and authorities continuing to assess the damage. The quake damaged buildings, triggered tsunami warnings, disrupted power, and sent residents fleeing into streets and evacuation areas as aftershocks continued.
Emergency crews are searching through collapsed and damaged structures, including buildings in and around General Santos City and nearby areas. Officials have warned that the number of casualties could still change as rescuers reach harder-hit communities and inspect unstable buildings.
The disaster has again exposed the danger faced by people living along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where powerful earthquakes and volcanic activity are a constant threat. For residents in the southern Philippines, the immediate focus is survival, rescue, medical care, and making it through another night of uncertainty as the ground continues to shake.