Mindanao earthquake triggers coastal uplift in Sarangani, Davao Occidental

Parts of Sarangani and Davao Occidental experienced coastal uplift following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on Monday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

In a report by Katrina Son on "24 Oras Weekend," PHIVOLCS said it has observed co-seismic shifts, or the upward movement of land caused by the earthquake, in several coastal areas affected by the tremor.

In Barangay Pangyan in Glan, Sarangani, portions of the shoreline that were previously submerged have emerged above sea level, exposing coral reefs that were once underwater.

A similar phenomenon was also reported in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.

“There is still a possibility that other areas may have experienced coastal uplift once our field personnel are able to visit and assess more locations,” said Dandy Camero, science research assistant at PHIVOLCS.

Meanwhile, aftershocks continued to rattle parts of Mindanao. A magnitude 5.3 aftershock was recorded on Saturday morning, causing renewed fear among residents of General Santos City.

In Koronadal City, South Cotabato, the aftershock was followed by heavy rains and flooding in some areas. Muddy floodwaters also inundated parts of T’boli, South Cotabato after a creek overflowed due to the rains.

Search operations also continued for a charcoal maker believed to have been buried in a landslide triggered by Monday’s earthquake.

According to the Office of Civil Defense, the death toll from the earthquake has risen to six, while 33 people remain missing.

Government agencies continued to provide assistance to affected communities.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian inspected relief operations in Malita, Davao Occidental, where family food packs are being stored and processed.

He also met with local officials to assess the situation on the ground.

“Food-wise, they’re okay. Although there are isolated reports of areas that have yet to be reached, assistance is gradually getting through as roads are already being cleared,” Gatchalian said.

The DSWD has also expedited the processing of damage assessment reports to facilitate the rollout of emergency cash transfers for affected families.

Amid the disaster response efforts, college students from General Santos City traveled to Barangay Kablalan in Glan, Sarangani to distribute food and other aid to earthquake victims.—MCG, GMA News