Rescuers hurriedly fled a partially collapsed supermarket building in a southern Philippine city following a strong aftershock. The death toll currently stands at 45, with 17 people still missing, and rescue efforts ongoing.
The tense incident occurred in General Santos City when about 30 firefighters and coast guard personnel were searching for survivors inside the damaged supermarket. Suddenly, a strong aftershock caused concrete debris to fall from the three-story building, which was leaning and close to collapse. Security officers blew whistles and shouted warnings for the rescue teams to evacuate immediately for their safety.
A fire department spokesperson revealed that the aftershock was severe enough to trigger an immediate evacuation signal. This allowed personnel inside and beneath the rubble to exit, conduct a headcount, and ensure safety before resuming the search for the last missing employee.
The event caused fear among the rescue teams, as officials were determined to prevent rescuers from becoming victims themselves. Ensuring the area was safe before continuing operations was deemed necessary.
General Santos City, a commercial hub known as the tuna capital of the Philippines, suffered heavy damage from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck on Monday. The quake caused widespread destruction across Mindanao island in the country’s south.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that more than 2,100 aftershocks have followed the main quake, some reaching magnitude 6.4, which could cause further injuries and damage.
Philippine authorities stated that over 25,000 people remain displaced, many residing in 45 government-run emergency shelters. Many are still too fearful to return home due to ongoing trauma from the events.
This earthquake is among the most severe in the Philippines in 50 years, injuring at least 630 people. Over 3,100 homes were damaged, along with 29 roads, 11 bridges, and more than 100 government buildings.
Source: AP
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