A powerful offshore earthquake with a revised magnitude of 7.8 struck General Santos City on Monday morning, prompting tsunami warnings across parts of Mindanao and forcing evacuations as strong shaking was felt across multiple provinces, officials said.
The quake, initially reported as magnitude 7.0 at around 7:37 a.m., was later upgraded to magnitude 7.8 at 8:41 a.m. by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
PHIVOLCS director Teresito Bacolcol said the epicenter was located about 13 kilometers south-southwest of General Santos City.
The agency reported Intensity VII shaking in General Santos City, where damage is expected. Intensity VI was recorded in Palimbang and Senator Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat.
Intensity V was felt in Davao City, Kidapawan City and Carmen in Cotabato, as well as several towns in Sultan Kudarat and Zamboanga del Norte.
Lower intensities were reported across large parts of Mindanao and the Visayas, including Mati City in Davao Oriental, Butuan City, Surigao del Norte, Dapitan City, and parts of Zamboanga del Sur and Leyte.
PHIVOLCS issued tsunami warnings for coastal areas in Sarangani, Sulu, Zamboanga provinces, Davao Occidental, Basilan, Sultan Kudarat, Tawi-Tawi, South Cotabato and Zamboanga del Sur.
Bacolcol said the first tsunami waves were forecast to arrive between 7:37 a.m. and 9:37 a.m., urging residents in low-lying coastal areas to move immediately to higher ground or farther inland.
“So far wala pa tayong nakukuhang information na may mga casualties, but again, intensity 7 that is already considered as destructive. Sana wala,” Bacolcol said in an interview on DZRH’s Damdaming bayan.
He added that aftershocks were already being recorded, including a magnitude 3.7 event and an intensity IV aftershock in General Santos City. Additional aftershocks are expected, he said. The quake was tectonic in origin.
Authorities also reiterated “duck, cover and hold” safety procedures as residents in affected areas rushed out of buildings during the strong shaking.
Earthquake felt intensely in Sultan Kudarat
In Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, residents reported strong and prolonged shaking that lasted several seconds, according to Radyo Natin correspondent Marvin Alicante. Students were evacuated from schools as classes were underway on the first day of the school week.
Tacurong City Mayor Lina Montilla ordered the suspension of classes in all levels in both public and private schools while inspections of buildings and facilities were conducted.
In Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, a total blackout was reported following the quake, according to correspondent Jojo Gait. Residents there also felt multiple aftershocks, with at least three to four tremors recorded shortly after the main shock.
As of writing, authorities continue to closely monitor the situation while conducting rapid assessments of possible damage and coastal conditions across affected areas.
