7.8‑magnitude quake kills at least 37 in southern Philippines

A 7.8‑magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines on June 9, with the epicenter off the coast of Sarangani province and the hardest impact in General Santos City.

Official counts show at least 37 deaths, more than 400 injuries and four people still missing. Rescue teams are searching collapsed buildings for survivors; two people have been pulled out alive while a third body was recovered, and officials say additional victims may remain trapped. One mother, Diana Delubio, said, “It’s hard for me to accept that my son is still trapped.”

The tremor triggered tsunami alerts across the region and was felt as far away as Indonesia’s Sulawesi island. Authorities recorded 23 strong aftershocks, the largest at magnitude 6.7, and are assessing extensive damage to schools, hospitals, power lines and water supplies. Efforts are under way to restore electricity and water services for thousands of residents.