MANILA, Philippines – A devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Sarangani in Davao Occidental, Mindanao, on a fateful Friday afternoon, leading to a tragic loss of lives and causing widespread panic across the region. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) have reported at least seven fatalities, with several others injured or missing in the aftermath of this natural disaster.
The quake’s impact was severe, claiming lives in various areas. In General Santos city, a couple tragically lost their lives, and a female salon employee died after debris fell on her. The toll extended to Malapatan, where a male pastor was killed by a falling rock, and another male victim died, possibly due to a stroke. In Glan, Sarangani, a man inside a hardware store suffered a fatal injury when steel struck his head. Additionally, a male senior citizen in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, was killed by a falling rock. The death toll, pending confirmation, might rise further, painting a grim picture of the earthquake’s destructive power.
The NDRRMC has been diligently working to verify the casualties. Their reports also include two people injured in Glan, Sarangani, and two more missing in General Santos. The quake’s impact was not limited to physical injuries alone; it also sparked widespread panic, leading to 450 people in the Davao Region and Soccsksargen receiving medical care for hyperventilation and panic. This reflects the profound psychological impact such natural disasters can have on communities.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has recorded 61 aftershocks following the quake, of which only three were perceptibly felt. These aftershocks underscore the ongoing risk and the need for vigilance in the affected areas. The community, while reeling from the immediate impact, remains on alert for potential further seismic activity.
This tragedy underscores the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and swift response in such emergencies. As the region grapples with the aftermath, efforts are being made to provide aid and support to those affected, and to assess and mitigate the impact of this calamitous event.