Southern Philippines earthquake kills 41 and leaves thousands displaced

A magnitude‑7.8 under‑sea quake struck near Mindanao on Monday, causing at least 41 deaths and more than 450 injuries in the southern Philippines. Rescue teams faced numerous aftershocks, slowing operations and forcing many patients to be treated outdoors because hospitals were damaged. In Sarangani province, responders could reach some areas only by helicopter. A regional civil‑defence chief, Rodrigo Sosmena, warned, "Il y a encore des répliques, les secouristes sont donc très prudents dans leur approche. C'est un défi."

In General Santos, a hospital was deemed unsafe, leaving over 60 patients on the ground, while a landslide in Glan buried homes and killed at least 13 people. Authorities ordered evacuations along coastal areas and temporarily issued tsunami alerts that were later lifted. Search efforts continued for missing persons amid collapsed buildings and debris.

The quake’s impact on health services and displaced communities underscores a prolonged humanitarian response in the affected regions.