Deadly 7.8‑magnitude quake hits Philippines' Mindanao, dozens killed

A magnitude‑7.8 earthquake struck the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Monday morning, the first day of the new school year. The tremor caused the deaths of at least 45 people and injured more than 630, with 17 still missing. Over 3,000 structures were reported damaged or destroyed, and infrastructure losses were estimated at roughly 562 million pesos (about €8 million). The international airport in General Santos City sustained partial damage but was later reopened for relief and government flights. Roads, bridges and schools were also affected, and many communities were temporarily isolated.

Authorities recorded more than 2,200 aftershocks, the strongest of which reached magnitude 6.7. Initial tsunami alerts for the Philippines and neighboring Indonesia were issued but later cancelled after only minor wave activity was observed along several coastlines. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr pledged state assistance and urged residents to move to higher ground. Rescue teams continue searching for survivors and assessing further damage.