A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mindanao in the Philippines on Monday, triggering widespread tsunami warnings and causing significant infrastructure damage across the region.
The Philippine government has ordered an immediate disaster response after the powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani in southern Mindanao on Monday morning, prompting tsunami warnings across several coastal provinces.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported the tremor occurred at 7:37 a.m. local time. Authorities initially measured the quake at magnitude 7.0 before upgrading it, as reports of collapsed buildings and structural failures began emerging from General Santos City and nearby coastal municipalities.
PHIVOLCS has issued urgent tsunami warnings for coastal provinces including Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato, advising residents to move to higher ground immediately as waves exceeding one meter remain a critical threat.
In a statement, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he had directed all relevant government agencies to act immediately following the earthquake.
The President said the Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) were coordinating disaster response efforts and monitoring affected areas.
He added that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) had been instructed to pre-position relief goods and ensure evacuation centers were ready and operational.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has also been placed on standby to assess damage to roads, bridges and critical infrastructure, and to clear routes needed for rescue and relief operations, according to the statement.
Marcos further ordered the suspension of classes at all levels in affected areas across Mindanao until further notice, saying the safety of children comes first.
He urged residents in affected provinces to heed tsunami warnings and move to higher ground immediately.
“The national government is moving and we will not leave Mindanao behind,” Marcos said, adding that he remained in constant communication with regional offices and local officials.
The President said further updates would be provided as the situation develops.