32 killed, buildings damaged, schools suspended after strong quake in Philippines

Manila: At least 32 people were killed, numerous building damaged, and schools and flights were suspended after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Sarangani province in the southern Philippines on Monday morning, according to local authorities. Multiple countries had issued tsunami warnings, which were later lifted.

Junie Castillo, spokesperson for the Philippines’ Office of Civil Defence, said 10 victims were reported in South Cotabato’s General Santos, a port city with a population of over 700,000, and at least 12 people remain missing so far. The deaths were caused by falling debris, building collapse and landslides. The Philippine National Police earlier said that no fewer than 134 people were injured, Xinhua news agency reported.

A two-storey school building in General Santos collapsed with students trapped inside, and authorities said they are verifying details of the incident. Online videos show university and restaurant buildings collapsed in disaster-hit areas. Some commercial facilities sustained structural damage, with signs falling and window panes shattered. Local residents rushed outdoors to seek safety.

The powerful earthquake hit shortly after schools across the Philippines started reopening following the summer break. Surveillance footage from several schools captured violent shaking during the quake. Teachers and students either evacuated urgently or took shelter under desks. The country’s Department of Education said affected schools, with more than 5,800 students, have been ordered to suspend classes to guarantee student safety.

The General Santos International Airport suspended operations from 8:45 am to 3 pm local time for a full safety inspection. Three airlines cancelled a total of 17 domestic flights. According to civil aviation authorities, landing and takeoff operations at the airport are currently limited to government, military, and humanitarian flights from Monday at 3 pm until June 11 at 6 pm.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology confirmed that the magnitude 7.8 earthquake jolted waters near Mindanao at 7:37 am, with a focal depth of 33 kilometres. The institute said the highest wave recorded reached 1.4 meters.

The Philippines, Indonesia and Japan once issued alerts on tsunamis, and all warnings have been cancelled.

IANS