19 dead as strong quake hits parts of Mindanao
AI Summary
A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Sarangani province in the southern Philippines on Monday morning, causing multiple deaths and significant structural damage including collapsed buildings across General Santos City and Mindanao. The powerful tremor triggered tsunami warnings throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific region, prompting authorities to order coastal evacuations as rescue efforts began.
GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — “Lord, have mercy!
Kusog kaayo, kusog kaayo!
(Very, very strong!)” The desperate plea echoed across the grounds of Landan National High School in Polomolok, South Cotabato, as students and teachers quickly moved to open areas when a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck west southwest of the coastal town of Maasim ...