Mindanao earthquake disrupts classes, gov't work across southern PH

The magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Sarangani on Monday morning disrupted the opening day of classes across parts of Mindanao, forcing the suspension of classes and government work, and causing damage to buildings and infrastructure in several areas across southern Philippines.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said the tectonic earthquake occurred at 7:37 a.m., with its epicenter located about 32 kilometers south-southwest of Maasim, Sarangani, at a depth of 33 kilometers. Damage and aftershocks were expected.

As authorities continued to assess the full extent of the damage and possible casualties, social media posts showed significant impacts on schools, commercial establishments, and other structures following the powerful quake.

Among the most serious damage reported was at Matanao National High School in Matanao, Davao del Sur, about 120 kilometers northeast of the epicenter, where part of a school building collapsed during the earthquake.

School officials said all students, teachers, and parents were safe as they were outside the buildings attending the flag ceremony when the tremor struck.

"The school clarifies that all students, teachers and parents are safe," school officials said in a statement posted on social media.

In Davao City, about 150 kilometers northeast of the epicenter, students of Sta. Ana Central Elementary School were allowed to go home with their parents or guardians after the strong shaking interrupted their flag-raising ceremony on the first day of classes.

The Davao City government subsequently suspended classes at all levels in both public and private schools, as well as work in local and national government offices.

Further west along the coast of Davao Occidental, about 130 kilometers north of the epicenter, video footage from Mahayahay Elementary School showed teachers and students experiencing strong shaking while attending their flag ceremony.

A makeshift structure at the school was caught on video collapsing as pupils took cover in open grounds nearby.

According to the Department of Education, school personnel immediately implemented safety and disaster preparedness protocols to ensure the safety of learners and staff.

Classes were later suspended after safety assessments were conducted, the post read.

The tremor also caused property damage elsewhere in the region.

In Davao City, hundreds of soft-drink bottles were shattered after stacks of beverage cases toppled inside a store during the earthquake, according to reports from GMA Regional TV One Mindanao.

In General Santos City, about 70 kilometers northeast of the epicenter, several parked vehicles were crushed outside Plaza Nova after being hit by falling debris during the earthquake.

Social media posts also showed visible cracks in parts of the City Council Building.

Videos circulating on social media also showed apparent structural damage near the parking area of SM Gensan following the quake.

Meanwhile, in Malalag, Davao del Sur, about 140 kilometers northeast of the epicenter, students and school personnel at Davao del Sur School of Fisheries resumed their flag ceremony after the shaking subsided.

Video footage showed participants remaining outdoors as the earthquake was felt across much of Mindanao.

Disaster management authorities were conducting rapid damage assessments in affected provinces, while officials warned that aftershocks remained possible following the major seismic event.—MCG, GMA News