The Philippine island of Mindanao was hit by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake, causing power outages. (Photo: Philippine Red Cross)
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Monday, causing power outages, damaging transmission infrastructure, and prompting tsunami warnings across parts of the region.
Several transmission lines in southwestern Mindanao were affected by the quake, according to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). The earthquake was centered near Maasim in Sarangani Province and was felt across neighboring provinces, including General Santos City and Polomolok in South Cotabato.
A Taiwanese businessman surnamed Hou, who has worked in the seafood processing industry in General Santos City for more than a decade, told Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA) that the shaking was extremely strong and lasted for more than a minute. He said many buildings had collapsed and that some areas remained without electricity following the quake.
Unlock the full article to explore three key takeaways:
- A magnitude 7.8 earthquake damaged power infrastructure and caused outages across Mindanao.
- NGCP restored Davao-area transmission by 8:20 a.m., but South Cotabato power restoration is still ongoing.
- The Philippine government is assessing energy infrastructure and monitoring power and fuel supplies.
