A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani on Monday morning, killing at least three people, damaging buildings, disrupting classes and utility services, and triggering tsunami warnings across parts of the Pacific.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the tectonic earthquake occurred at 7:37 a.m. about 32 kilometers southwest of Maasim, Sarangani, at a depth of 33 kilometers.
Authorities confirmed at least three deaths, including two in Tupi and one in General Santos City. Several others were reported injured.
The strongest shaking, measured at Intensity VII, was recorded in General Santos City, where multiple structures sustained major damage.
Among the affected buildings were a three-story commercial structure housing a restaurant and radio station, portions of a shopping mall, and a building at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University.
Following the earthquake, tsunami warnings were issued for coastal areas in the Philippines, Indonesia, Palau, Taiwan, and Papua New Guinea.
The first tsunami waves were recorded in Maasim and Kiamba in Sarangani, followed by coastal communities in Sultan Kudarat, Davao Oriental, Zamboanga City, and Surigao del Sur.
According to Phivolcs, the highest recorded tsunami wave reached 1.4 meters above normal tide levels.
The earthquake also disrupted the opening day of classes in several Mindanao cities. Local governments suspended classes and government work while authorities conducted structural inspections and damage assessments.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered evacuations in coastal communities and urged residents to move to higher ground immediately.
Phivolcs said aftershocks are expected as authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage caused by the earthquake.
