Philippine earthquake kills 37, displaces over 20,000
10 reported
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday, killing at least 37 people and displacing more than 20,000, according to the Office of Civil Defense. Rescuers searched ruined buildings on Tuesday to ensure no one was still trapped. The earthquake, centered off Mindanao, injured nearly 500 people and damaged about 2,000 houses and 117 government buildings. The international airport in General Santos remained shut, forcing the cancellation of 63 domestic flights except for humanitarian missions. Authorities warned that buildings with cracks could collapse due to aftershocks. The United States, France, Japan and New Zealand expressed support for Philippine response efforts.
What’s reported
At least 37 people were killed and more than 20,000 displaced by the earthquake.
The quake had a magnitude of 7.8 and was centered at sea at a depth of 33 kilometers, about 32 kilometers southwest of Maasim town in Sarangani province.
Nearly 500 people were injured.
Only four people were considered missing on official records.
At least 13 people died in General Santos, and at least 18 died in Sarangani province mostly in a landslide that buried houses in Glan.
About 2,000 houses and 117 government buildings were damaged.
The international airport in General Santos remained shut, canceling 63 domestic flights except humanitarian missions.
About 6,000 public school buildings must be assessed before classes resume.
The quake was set off by movement in the Cotabato Trench and was the strongest since an 8.1-magnitude quake on Aug. 17, 1976.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. deployed top defense-mitigation officials from Manila to oversee search and rescue.
Key figures
Rafaelito Alejandro, Office of Civil Defense
Teresito Bacolcol, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Sources: abcnews.com
