6.7-magnitude earthquake hits Philippines: at least eight fatalities

The U.S Geological Survey reported a 6.7-magnitude earthquake in the Philippines on Friday. The quake caused damage, including the collapse of a shopping mall ceiling near the quake's epicenter. While the earthquake was notably powerful, the USGS noted that seismic activity is frequent in the Philippines, which is located along the Pacific "Ring of Fire".

The USGS indicated that the earthquake occurred at 8:14 UTC, situated approximately 27km off the southern coast of the Mindano region in the Philippines, at a depth of about 77km. Despite the event's strength, international warning agencies assured that there was no tsunami threat. However, the Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said that aftershocks are expected.

Initial reports mentioned scattered damage to buildings in the quake's epicenter, while social media videos depicted people reacting with panic as a significant section of a shopping mall ceiling collapsed in General Santos City. Over 1,500 people were affected by the quake, with more than 50 houses and 70 structures damaged, including school buildings, government facilities, bridges, roads, and private establishments. Some of the damaged roads remain impassable.

The death toll resulting from the earthquake has risen to eight, according to the Philippines' disaster agency. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council emphasized that the casualty count is still undergoing validation, with one reported death in Davao Occidental province, three in South Cotabato province, and four in Sarangani province.