A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the southern Philippines, causing widespread destruction, collapsing buildings, and leaving at least 15 people dead and hundreds more injured, according to local authorities.
The quake occurred early Monday morning in the southern area of Mindanao with the epicenter off-shore Sarangani province. The tremor was felt all over the neighboring provinces as people evacuated from their houses due to building vibrations and emergency alarm bells ringing out.
Several rescue teams rushed to the affected provinces in order to estimate the amount of damage. Many structures, both residential and communal, were severely damaged and the rescuers kept searching for the victims who got stuck under the collapsed buildings.
Many of the victims of the earthquake were killed either due to falling objects and collapsing buildings or landslides which occurred due to the quake. The quake also led to issuing tsunami advisories in certain areas of the Philippines and neighboring countries, but the alerts have been lifted since no significant wave damage was noted.
People were warned to be vigilant about aftershocks and not to enter buildings that may have been damaged until the areas are thoroughly checked for safety. There were preparations made to help relocate families in need of emergency shelters, and relief work has been coordinated by different government agencies.
The Philippines sits on the “Ring of Fire” area in the Pacific, where seismic activities are common due to tectonic plate movements. This recent earthquake serves as a reminder of the country’s ongoing risk from natural calamities.
While the rescue efforts are ongoing, efforts are being made to help the affected communities and assess the situation.
