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| This Jollibee outlet in GenSan was filmed as it began collapsing due to the tremor |
Search and rescue operations are continuing after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake rocked Mindanao early on Monday, killing at least 35 people and injuring more than 100 others as of the latest count.
The massive quake struck off the coast of struck Maasim, Sarangani, at 7:37 am, triggering tsunami warnings, damaging dozens of buildings, disrupting power, communication and transportation services across several parts of Mindanao.
Video footages posted online showed a number of collapsed buildings in neighboring General Santos City, including one taken as a Jollibee outlet in the heart of the city began toppling in the wake of the tremor.
A statement issued subsequently by the fastfood giant said that all the staff in the outlet were safe, including three who were initially reported as trapped in the rubble. (see video of damage in GenSan as posted by netizen Ryan JayQuizon: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1759717438800440
Another video showed part of a high school in Davao del Sur collapsing, as students and teachers gathered outside.
Various rescue teams led by the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other government agencies have worked throughout the day to look for survivors, but aftershocks are hampering their operations.
As of this afternoon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology has recorded more than 180 aftershocks since the killer tremor struck. PhilVocs warned that aftershocks may continue for more than a month, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain alert and avoid damaged structures.
Tsunami waves reported in six areas, with the highest recorded reaching 1.4 meters above normal tide levels. However, the tsunami was lifted Monday afternoon.
Authorities warn the death toll may continue to rise as rescue operations continue.
According to the Office of Civil Defense, most of the fatalities were hit by falling debris or trapped in landslides.
Ten thousand families were reportedly evacuated in Saranggani and Sultan Kudarat, while there were reports of a landslide in South Cotabato. The OCD said it is still verifying if there were casualties in that landslide.
Meanwhile, the Department of Migrant Workers extended condolences to all those affected by the quake.
It added that it has stepped up monitoring to determine
if families of overseas Filipino workers were affected so it could extend help.
It is also on standby to assist OFWs who might have been stranded because of
the closure of the airport in GenSan City.
