Philippines Hit by 7.8-Magnitude Earthquake, Thousands Left Displaced and Feared Dead
A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern Philippines on Monday, triggering building collapses, widespread power outages, and a rising death toll as rescue teams scrambled to reach affected areas. The quake, centered in the Mindanao region, left at least 35 people confirmed dead, according to Associated Press (AP) reports, while Reuters cited accounts of 32 individuals feared missing. Survivors described scenes of chaos, with one resident recounting “the ground splitting open” as structures crumbled around them.
The disaster has severely impacted infrastructure, with 8,642 schools across the region reported damaged or destroyed, according to Inquirer.net. The Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed the figure, highlighting the disruption to over 5 million students. In Davao City, the hardest-hit area, emergency shelters have been established, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) deployed two mobile storage units to distribute supplies, as per a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report.
Rescue operations face challenges from ongoing aftershocks, though official statements from the Philippine National Police (PNP) emphasized that security in quake-affected zones remains “manageable.” A PNP spokesperson, cited in a PNA article, stated that officers are coordinating with humanitarian groups to ensure safe access for aid. However, the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local resources, prompting calls for international assistance.
Power outages persist in several municipalities, complicating search-and-rescue efforts. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines reported that over 200,000 households remain without electricity, with repairs expected to take days. Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of potential landslides in mountainous regions, urging residents to avoid unstable areas.
The earthquake has intensified concerns about the country’s disaster preparedness. While the government has activated its emergency response protocols, critics argue that rural areas lack adequate infrastructure to withstand such events. “This tragedy underscores the urgent need for better building codes and community resilience programs,” said a local disaster risk reduction official, speaking to Reuters.
As the death toll continues to rise, the focus remains on saving lives. The Red Cross has mobilized teams to support relief efforts, and the international community has begun to offer aid. A spokesperson for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) called for “immediate funding to address the most critical needs,” including shelter, food, and medical care.