Southern Philippines Reels After Twin Earthquakes

TDT | Manama

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Survivors of two powerful earthquakes that struck southern Philippines on Friday woke to scenes of destruction on Saturday, as hundreds of aftershocks rattled the region overnight.

Residents of Mindanao island, especially those along the coast, spent the night outdoors, fearing the collapse of homes and buildings after the 7.4- and 6.7-magnitude quakes hit just hours apart. At least eight people have been reported dead.

Officials described the damage to roads, bridges, schools, and other public infrastructure as “minimal,” but the full scale of housing losses remains unclear. In the municipality of Manay, home to 40,000 people, locals worked tirelessly to clear debris and sweep up shattered glass from homes and public buildings.

“Our small house and store were destroyed,” said resident Ven Lupogan. “We have nowhere to sleep. There’s no electricity. We have nothing to eat.”

The disaster follows closely on the heels of a 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Cebu less than two weeks ago, which killed 75 people and destroyed roughly 72,000 homes.

Civil Defence Office deputy administrator Rafaelito Alejandro said that urgent housing repairs would likely be the biggest long-term need for survivors. Meanwhile, Public Works Minister Vince Dizon visited Manay’s heavily damaged government hospital, promising support for affected communities.

Patients had been moved outside on Friday after engineers deemed the hospital structurally unsafe, highlighting the continuing challenges faced by residents seeking medical care amid the aftermath.

Authorities are continuing rescue and relief efforts, as the region braces for ongoing aftershocks and works to rebuild communities left in shock.