Key facts
- A magnitude-7.8 earthquake struck the southern Philippines, killing at least 37 people.
- Hundreds have been injured, and thousands displaced.
- Buildings collapsed, and tsunami alerts were issued and later cancelled.
- Multiple hospitals sustained damage, impacting medical treatment.
- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered school suspensions in affected areas.
A powerful magnitude-7.8 earthquake struck the southern Philippines early Monday, causing widespread damage, killing at least 37 people, and injuring hundreds. The tremors were felt across Mindanao and as far as Manado, Indonesia. Buildings collapsed, including a popular fast-food restaurant and a high school, leading to significant casualties from falling debris and landslides. Tsunami alerts were issued for coastal areas in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, but were later cancelled. Thousands were displaced, and multiple hospitals were damaged, complicating rescue and medical efforts. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the suspension of schools in affected areas and pledged national government support for the region.