Post by : Shakul

A devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the southern Philippines has claimed at least 37 lives and forced more than 20,000 people to leave their homes, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit the country in recent years. Rescue teams continued search operations on Tuesday as authorities worked to locate possible survivors trapped under collapsed structures.

The powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao Island on Monday morning, triggering widespread panic across several provinces. Hundreds of residents rushed into the streets as buildings shook violently, while many coastal communities evacuated amid fears of a tsunami. Although tsunami waves were recorded in several areas, major coastal destruction was largely avoided.

General Santos City, a major economic and fishing hub in southern Philippines, suffered some of the worst damage. Several buildings collapsed, roads were damaged, and key infrastructure was affected. At least 13 deaths were reported in the city, while emergency workers continued inspecting damaged structures to ensure no victims remained trapped inside.

The deadliest impact occurred in Sarangani Province, where a massive landslide buried several homes in the mountainous town of Glan. Authorities confirmed at least 18 fatalities in the province, with rescue crews working around the clock to clear debris and search for missing residents.

Government assessments indicate that around 2,000 homes and more than 100 public buildings sustained damage across affected regions. Nearly 500 people were injured, while thousands sought shelter in temporary evacuation centers. Schools remained closed in many areas as engineers inspected buildings for structural safety before allowing students to return.

The earthquake also disrupted transportation and public services. General Santos International Airport temporarily suspended operations, leading to dozens of flight cancellations. Authorities warned residents to remain cautious as strong aftershocks continued to shake the region and could further weaken already damaged structures.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a full-scale emergency response and dispatched senior disaster management officials to oversee relief operations. International partners, including the United States, Japan, France and New Zealand, expressed support and readiness to assist recovery efforts. The Philippines, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, remains one of the world's most disaster-prone nations due to frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tropical storms.

#Earthquake #Disasters #Philippines #World News