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ICYMI: Magnitude 7.8 quake jolts Mindanao on first day of classes
Photo via The National News
Over 3.2 million students were greeted not by the usual excitement and anticipation of a new school year, but a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that shook Mindanao on Monday, June 8.
According to the Department of Education (DepEd)’s initial reports, 128,000 teachers and personnel as well as approximately 6,224 public schools were also affected in 33 school divisions across Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, S.O.C.C.S.K.S.A.R.G.E.N, and Caraga.
Following the quake, Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness in schools on his visit to Notre Dame Village Central Elementary School.
“Nagkataon nga na na-welcome tayo ng lindol dito, but ganun naman talaga, dapat lagi tayong handa, at sabi ko sa mga teachers and principal na huwag kalimutan na tayo ang pangalawang magulang ng ating mga bata,” he said.
Sec. Angara added that the agency has also deployed engineers in the affected regions for inspection and that he is closely monitoring developments.
“The safety of our learners, teachers, and school personnel remains our top priority, and we will take all necessary measures to ensure that schools are safe before classes resume,” he followed.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the earthquake occurred at approximately 7:37 a.m., with its epicenter located 32 kilometers west of Maasim, Sarangani, with an estimated depth of 33 kilometers.
PHIVOLCS reported that the earthquake was caused by subduction activity along the Cotabato Trench.
The strong tremor was felt across Mindanao, prompting the evacuation of schools, offices, commercial establishments, and residential communities.
As of 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, the DOST-PHISOLVES Philippine Seismic Network (P.S.N.) has recorded a total of 138 aftershocks following the main quake.
The earthquake also triggered tsunami warnings in the southern part of the Philippines and neighboring countries. The warnings were later lifted after authorities determined that the threat had subsided.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (N.D.R.R.M.C.) reported a total death of 37, 479 injured individuals, and four others remain missing as of the latest update.