Powerful 7.8-Magnitude Earthquake Kills At Least 15 in  Philippines

At least 15 people have been killed after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern Philippines early Monday, causing widespread damage and the collapse of several buildings. Rescue operations are still underway, and authorities fear the death toll could rise further.

Local police official Robert Dagnon told AFP that many buildings had been damaged, but a full assessment of the destruction was not yet possible as emergency teams remained focused on rescue efforts.

The country’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said that 12 of the victims died in the Soccsksargen region, while three others were killed in Davao Occidental province.

Significant damage has been reported in and around General Santos City, located near the earthquake’s epicenter. Verified video footage showed the upper floor of a popular fast-food restaurant collapsing, while the exterior concrete wall of a commercial complex also crumbled.

The Philippines’ Office of Civil Defense has urged residents to stay away from damaged buildings and infrastructure. Authorities warned that strong aftershocks remain possible and advised the public to avoid potentially unsafe structures.

Rescue teams continue searching through the rubble for survivors, and officials have warned that the number of fatalities may increase as operations progress.