A powerful magnitude-7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao in the southern Philippines, causing panic at a school in Digos where pupils could be heard screaming as the ground shook. The quake triggered the collapse of an outdoor structure, but the school later said that no one was injured. In a statement posted on Facebook, the school thanked staff and pupils for staying calm and orderly during the emergency.
The earthquake was felt across parts of the Philippines and left at least 32 people dead, according to early reports. However, the casualty figures have not yet been fully confirmed by the national disaster agency, which is responsible for collecting and verifying reports from local authorities and other sources. Officials are continuing to assess the impact of the disaster as more information becomes available.
The tremor was followed by more than 130 aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 1.3 to 6.7, adding to fears among residents and emergency responders. Aftershocks are often expected after a major quake, but the number and strength of these continued tremors underscored the scale of the seismic event and the disruption it caused.
In Digos, the scene at the school reflected the fear and confusion that spread quickly as the earthquake struck. Despite the collapse of the outdoor structure, the school’s response helped prevent injuries and kept students safe. The school’s statement emphasized the orderly behavior of pupils and staff, which played an important role in managing the situation.
Across affected areas, local authorities and disaster teams are working to verify damage reports, check on casualties, and determine the extent of infrastructure losses. The quake’s offshore epicenter in the southern Philippines raised concerns about possible widespread effects, though the full scope of destruction is still being assessed. Emergency services are expected to remain on alert as aftershocks continue.
The latest incident adds to the Philippines’ vulnerability to major earthquakes, as the country sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent seismic activity. For residents in Mindanao and nearby areas, the immediate priority remains safety, damage assessment, and support for communities affected by the shaking and the continuing aftershocks.
While the confirmed death toll may change as officials complete verification, the earthquake has already caused fear, disruption, and structural damage. Schools, homes, and public facilities in the affected regions are likely to undergo further inspections as authorities work to restore normal conditions and provide assistance to those impacted.
