32 Dead, Hundreds Injured as Major Quake Rocks Southern Philippines

A significant earthquake, registering as the strongest of the year in the Philippines, struck the southern part of the archipelago on Monday. The tremor caused widespread devastation, claiming at least 32 lives and leaving over 200 individuals injured, primarily due to building collapses. The quake also generated tsunami waves of up to 1 meter (3 feet) that impacted coastal areas in the southern Philippines, with smaller waves detected as far as Indonesia and Palau.

General Santos, a major port city, bore the brunt of the destruction, with numerous buildings, including a supermarket and a school, collapsing or sustaining heavy damage. Search operations are ongoing to locate the 12 people still missing, who may be trapped in the debris. The international airport in General Santos experienced temporary closure, and 17 domestic flights were canceled.

In addition to the destruction in General Santos, a landslide in Glan, Sarangani province, killed 13 villagers. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned residents to exercise caution with damaged structures due to the potential for aftershocks. International allies, including the United States, have offered support for the Philippines' response efforts.