GENERAL SANTOS, Philippines — A powerful earthquake that struck the southern Philippines earlier this week has killed at least 45 people and left thousands displaced, as rescue crews continued searching for missing residents amid strong aftershocks on Wednesday, according to Philippine authorities.
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao on Monday morning, with its epicenter near Sarangani province, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The quake caused widespread damage across the southern region, particularly in General Santos City, where buildings collapsed, roads and bridges were damaged, and public services were disrupted.
Authorities said the death toll had risen as recovery teams reached affected communities and verified casualties. More than 600 people were reported injured, while over 25,000 residents were displaced and forced into temporary shelters, according to disaster management officials. Details on some casualties remained unclear as assessments continued in remote areas.
The earthquake triggered landslides, building collapses and a tsunami that affected parts of the southern coastline. Emergency officials reported damage to thousands of homes, dozens of roads and bridges, and numerous government facilities. General Santos International Airport was temporarily closed after sustaining damage, while some hospitals shifted operations to temporary facilities because of structural concerns.
Rescue operations have been complicated by persistent aftershocks. PHIVOLCS reported more than 2,000 aftershocks since the main quake, including several strong tremors that forced rescuers to suspend operations periodically for safety reasons. On Wednesday, emergency workers evacuated a partially collapsed commercial building in General Santos after another significant aftershock sent debris falling from the structure.
“We are continuing search, rescue and recovery operations while ensuring the safety of responders,” local disaster officials said, according to Philippine media reports cited by international news agencies.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed national agencies to assist affected provinces, while local governments declared emergency measures in several areas to speed relief efforts and mobilize resources.
The Philippines lies along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences frequent earthquakes. Officials said the latest quake was among the strongest to hit the country in recent decades.
As of Wednesday, search teams were still looking for at least 17 missing people, authorities said, while emergency shelters remained open for displaced residents. Officials warned that additional aftershocks were likely and urged the public to avoid damaged structures until inspections are completed.
