At Least 19 Dead After Major Earthquake Strikes Southern Philippines

At least 19 people have died, more than 130 injured, and 12 others reported missing after a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday morning, causing widespread destruction across the island of Mindanao and triggering tsunami warnings across parts of Southeast Asia.

The earthquake struck at approximately 7:37 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located near the coastal area southwest of General Santos City in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the U.S. Geological Survey reported strong shaking across several provinces, with tremors felt as far away as Malaysia and Indonesia.

General Santos City, a major commercial and port hub with a population of more than 700,000, suffered some of the worst damage. Buildings collapsed, roads cracked, power outages were reported, and rescue teams were deployed across affected neighborhoods in search of survivors trapped beneath rubble. Authorities said several of the deaths occurred in the city after structures gave way during the powerful shaking.

Videos verified by international media showed the collapse of the upper floor of a Jollibee restaurant and severe damage to commercial buildings near the epicenter. In Davao del Sur, part of a high school building reportedly collapsed as students gathered outside on what was the first day of the new school year in many parts of the country.

The Philippine Office of Civil Defense said emergency responders were continuing to assess damage in remote communities. Officials warned that the death toll could rise as rescue operations progress and access improves to isolated areas affected by landslides and infrastructure damage.

Shortly after the quake, tsunami alerts were issued for parts of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Palau, and southern Japan. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially warned that waves of up to three meters (10 feet) could strike some coastlines. While a tsunami did reach portions of the southern Philippine coast, authorities later downgraded and lifted most warnings after determining that the threat had largely passed.

Officials recorded more than 100 aftershocks following the main quake, including several powerful tremors exceeding magnitude 6.0. Disaster management authorities urged residents not to return to damaged homes and buildings because of the risk of further collapses.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the immediate mobilization of rescue and relief operations and suspended classes across affected parts of Mindanao. He said evacuation centers had been activated and government agencies were working to clear roads and restore essential services.

Emergency crews, military units, and humanitarian organizations have been deployed throughout the region, while hospitals remain on high alert to treat the injured. Airports in some affected areas temporarily suspended operations, and several flights were canceled as authorities assessed damage to infrastructure.

The Philippines lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” one of the world’s most seismically active regions, making it highly vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Experts described Monday’s quake as one of the strongest to strike the country in recent years and warned that significant aftershocks could continue for days.

As rescue efforts continue and families search for missing loved ones, communities across Mindanao are grappling with the aftermath of a disaster that has left widespread destruction and renewed concerns about the region’s vulnerability to powerful natural hazards.