A powerful earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Tuesday, killing at least 35 people and causing widespread damage across Mindanao island. The 6.8 magnitude tremor, which hit at a depth of 10 kilometres, was felt across several provinces including Davao del Sur, Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.
Rescuers are digging through rubble amid ongoing aftershocks, with the national disaster agency warning the death toll could rise. The quake, originating near the town of Bansalan, collapsed buildings, triggered landslides, and knocked out power in several areas. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
has ordered immediate assistance to affected communities, with relief operations hampered by damaged roads and disrupted communications. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said no tsunami warning was issued. The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone of intense seismic activity, and is routinely hit by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
