Philippines earthquake claims 32 dead as grandmother shields grandchild

A 7.8‑magnitude earthquake struck southern Philippines on 8 June, killing at least 32 people and injuring more than 200. The disaster devastated General Santos and surrounding provinces, with dozens of buildings collapsed, dozens missing, and rescue teams scrambling through rubble.

A video captured on a home security camera went viral, showing an elderly woman rush into the shaking house, lift her grandson onto her lap and brace him against a wall until the tremors subsided. Neither the grandmother nor the child were injured. Viewers worldwide praised the grandmother’s instinctive bravery, describing the scene as “heroic” and “heart‑stopping.”