At least 37 people have died and hundreds more have been injured following a magnitude-7.8 earthquake that struck southern Philippines early Monday morning. The quake, which triggered tsunami alerts and caused significant structural damage, primarily affected the Mindanao region.

Earthquake Details
The earthquake occurred at 7:37 AM local time, with its epicenter located approximately 20 kilometers off the coast of Sarangani province. The tremors were felt strongly across Mindanao and even reached the city of Manado on Indonesia's Sulawesi island, about 420 kilometers away. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported the quake's focus was 6.2 miles underground.

Casualties and Damage
Civil defense officials reported at least 37 fatalities, 479 injuries, and four individuals missing, mainly due to falling debris and landslides. Approximately 88,000 people have been affected by the disaster, with nearly 21,000 displaced from their homes. Videos have surfaced showing the collapse of buildings, including a Jollibee restaurant and a high school in Davao del Sur, where students were gathered outside when the structure gave way.

Emergency Response Efforts
In the aftermath, hospitals have sustained damage, forcing many injured individuals to seek treatment in makeshift environments like tents. Richard Gordon, chairman and CEO of the Philippines Red Cross, highlighted the fear among patients of being in potentially unsafe hospital facilities. The government has activated evacuation centers and is working to assess the damage and clear routes for rescue operations. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured that the national government is committed to supporting Mindanao during this crisis.

Tsunami Alerts and Evacuations
Initial tsunami warnings prompted evacuations in coastal areas of the southern Philippines, northern Indonesia, and the Malaysian state of Sabah. These alerts were lifted after more than six hours, allowing residents to return to their homes. However, authorities remain vigilant as aftershocks are expected in the coming days.

Wrap-up
The Philippines is known for its vulnerability to natural disasters due to its location along the Pacific "Ring of Fire." As recovery efforts continue, the focus remains on providing support to those affected and ensuring the safety of residents in the region.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team