Casualties, damage reported following magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao —OCD

Casualties and damage to properties were reported after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao on Monday morning, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

In an update, OCD deputy spokesperson Diego Mariano said reports of casualties were being monitored and validated.

“However, no official reports as of reporting time,” he said.

There were reports of major damage in various infrastructures, according to Mariano.

Power supply interruptions and communications issues were also reported.

The most affected regions were Soccsksargen, Davao Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Evacuations are ongoing in affected coastal areas.

The public is advised to refrain from reentering their homes or other infrastructures, especially with signs of damage, high-rise buildings, and threat of aftershocks, Mariano said.

Rescue units of uniformed services are for deployment anytime. Also, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices are directed to supervise the response in their respective areas.

“Full” and “red” alerts were raised in the Operations Center, National Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell, Response Clusters, and Agencies.

OCD and Department of National Defense (DND) officials are expected to visit the affected areas in Mindanao.

Several residents in General Santos City reported damage inside their houses, with appliances, televisions, cabinets, computers, and other household items falling during the strong shaking, Super Radyo General Santos’ James Plecis reported.

A church and a building housing a fast food chain were also damaged.

Power supply was down in several parts of the city and some areas also experienced water service disruptions.

Mobile and internet signals were affected.

Some motorcycles were knocked over.

According to a report by Super Radyo Davao’s John Ryan Calonia, some structures were seen shaking, while parts of the infrastructure in the downtown area were affected by the quake in Davao City.

At Davao City National High School, several students reportedly fainted amid the panic caused by the earthquake.

The local government later announced the suspension of morning classes and work in government offices to ensure public safety while assessments were being conducted.

Heavy traffic on the road was observed.

The Philippine Red Cross shared a photo of a damaged structure at the KCC Mall.

A total of 17 Red Cross volunteers have been activated, while ambulances were deployed in North Cotabato, South Cotabato, and Gingoog City to assist affected communities.

In North Cotabato National High School, responders provided assistance to four students who experienced hyperventilation following the earthquake.

The Philippine Red Cross is also monitoring hospitals and communities in affected areas.

“The Philippine Red Cross continues to assess the situation and remains ready to provide immediate humanitarian assistance should the need arise,” the organization said.—AOL, GMA News