Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr for the lives lost in the recent earthquake in Mindanao. At least 32 individuals lost their lives, and significant damage occurred after a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Sarangani province in the southern Philippines. Tsunami warnings were issued by multiple countries but were later lifted.
Junie Castillo, spokesperson for the Philippines’ Office of Civil Defence, mentioned that 10 casualties were reported in General Santos, with over 700,000 residents, and 12 individuals are still missing. The fatalities resulted from falling debris, building collapses, and landslides. The Philippine National Police reported at least 134 injuries due to the earthquake.
The earthquake struck just as schools in the Philippines were reopening after the summer break. Surveillance footage from various schools captured the intense shaking during the quake, prompting teachers and students to evacuate or seek shelter under desks. To ensure student safety, affected schools with more than 5,800 students were instructed to suspend classes temporarily.
Operations at the General Santos International Airport were halted for safety inspections following the earthquake, with three airlines canceling 17 domestic flights. The airport is currently limited to government, military, and humanitarian flights until June 11.
