A powerful magnitude-7.8 earthquake struck the southern Philippines early on Monday, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 individuals and widespread infrastructure damage. Meanwhile, a city in Japan has closed nearly 100 schools due to a rare bear sighting, prompting safety measures for residents.

Earthquake in the Philippines
The earthquake hit at 7:37 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located approximately 8 miles (13 km) south-west of General Santos City on Mindanao island. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported the quake at a depth of 6.2 miles. The national disaster agency confirmed that 12 fatalities occurred in the Soccsksargen region and three in Davao Occidental province, with ongoing rescue operations hampered by aftershocks. Civil defense officials warned residents to avoid entering damaged buildings, and power outages were reported in affected areas.

Video footage verified by news sources captured the collapse of structures, including a Jollibee restaurant and parts of a high school in Davao del Sur, where students were present during the incident. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced that evacuation centers were operational and ordered the suspension of classes in affected regions to prioritize student safety.

Bear Sighting in Japan
In a separate incident, Utsunomiya, a city located about 100 km north of Tokyo, decided to close all 94 primary and secondary schools after a medium-sized black bear was sighted in the area. The bear, approximately one meter long, was first spotted near a park on Saturday and later captured on CCTV running through the city center. It was seen in residential neighborhoods and a factory district, prompting city officials to advise residents to secure their homes and avoid approaching the animal.

The city has mobilized public address vehicles to alert residents and is conducting a search for the bear with local police and hunting associations. This year has seen a record 50,000 bear sightings across Japan, with increased encounters attributed to fluctuations in food sources and declining rural populations.

Wrap-up
Both the earthquake in the Philippines and the bear sighting in Japan highlight the unique challenges faced by these nations. The earthquake has led to significant loss of life and property in the Philippines, while Japan grapples with unusual wildlife encounters that threaten public safety. Authorities in both countries are working to address these emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of their citizens.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team