A devastating 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines, claiming one life and causing widespread injuries and damage to buildings, according to reports from authorities. The quake occurred off the coast of Mindanao near the city of General Santos at a depth of 60 km, as reported by the German research center for geoscience GFZ.
Both the Philippine seismological agency PHIVOLCS and the Pacific Tsunami Prediction Center have stated that there is no threat of a tsunami following the earthquake. However, police chief Amor Mio of Koronadal near the epicenter disclosed that a search for damage was underway in a shopping mall and employees were evacuated for safety. Mio revealed that the material damage from the quake is extensive and the full extent has not yet been determined.
Residents were cautioned to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks with a magnitude of 6.2, as directed by PHIVOLCSA Director Teresito Bacolcol. Meanwhile, radio host Leny Aranega reported that walls were damaged in General Santos due to the earthquake, while computers fell in other areas.
Michael Ricafort from RCBC Bank posted on Facebook that passengers from General Santos airport were evacuated to open-air areas following the earthquake. The Philippines is frequently affected by earthquakes due to its location on the “Ring of Fire,” a volcanic belt surrounding the Pacific Ocean that is prone to seismic activity.