UMVA has learned that a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck offshore Maasim, Sarangani on Monday morning, unleashing a trail of destruction and chaos that has left at least 8 people dead and several buildings in ruins.
The quake's fury was felt across Regions IX, XI, and XII, with multiple structures collapsing or sustaining major damage, according to information obtained by UMVA. The hardest-hit areas include Davao Occidental, General Santos City, and South Cotabato City, where rescue teams are working tirelessly to search for survivors.
Details are still emerging, but it's confirmed that three people died in Davao Occidental and General Santos City, while two lost their lives in South Cotabato City. The death toll is expected to rise as authorities continue to validate reports of fatalities and injuries.
The earthquake's impact was far-reaching, causing widespread destruction to buildings, bridges, and infrastructure. A building at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University and the Jollibee-RD Plaza in General Santos City were among the structures that collapsed, sending shockwaves through the community.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has attributed the earthquake to the Cotabato Trench, a tectonic plate boundary that has been a source of seismic activity in the region. The quake struck at 7:37 a.m., with its epicenter located 32 kilometers south-southwest of Maasim, Sarangani.
In the aftermath of the disaster, a tsunami warning was issued at 7:47 a.m., prompting evacuations and heightened alertness in coastal areas. PHIVOLCS reported that tsunami waves were recorded in several areas, including Maasim, Kiamba, Kalamansig, Mati, Zamboanga, and Tandag City, with wave heights reaching up to 1.4 meters.
As the region braces for expected aftershocks, authorities are urging residents to exercise extreme caution and avoid re-entering damaged buildings. So far, at least 183 aftershocks have been recorded in 59 areas, with nine of them felt by residents.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with teams working to provide aid and support to those affected by the disaster. The situation remains dire, with many communities left to pick up the pieces and rebuild in the face of this devastating natural disaster.
