Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake Hits Southern Philippines, Killing 1 and Injuring 4; Taiwanese Community Safe

(Central News Agency, reporter Yang Yaoru, Taipei, 8th) A strong earthquake of magnitude 7.8 struck Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines today, resulting in at least 1 death and 4 injuries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) stated that all local overseas Taiwanese residents are safe and that its representative office will continuously monitor their situation. MOFA has also instructed the representative office to express concern and condolences to the Philippine government and people and to assess the possibility of Taiwan assisting in disaster relief efforts.

A strong earthquake occurred off the southern coast of the Philippines today. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) measured the earthquake's magnitude at 7.8. Philippine police reported that the quake had caused at least 1 death and 4 injuries, with multiple buildings collapsing.

In a response to a Central News Agency inquiry on the afternoon of the 8th, MOFA explained that the Davao City government on Mindanao Island had announced the suspension of classes at all public and private schools citywide on the 8th following the earthquake. Local and central government offices were also closed to facilitate safety inspections and post-disaster assessment operations. Local authorities are continuously monitoring the situation. While sporadic reports of injuries have emerged, no major disaster information has been reported yet.

MOFA stated that the Philippine Chinese Cultural and Educational Service Center has contacted the overseas Taiwanese community and relevant personnel in the Davao area, confirming that all local overseas Taiwanese residents are safe. Although there are power outages in several areas, no reports of damage or casualties have been received so far. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines will continuously monitor the situation through the overseas Taiwanese network to ensure their safety.

MOFA mentioned that it has instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines to express concern and condolences to the Philippine government and people. It will continue to monitor the earthquake's aftermath and related disaster information to understand the Philippines' relief needs and assess the possibility of Taiwan providing subsequent disaster relief assistance. (Editor: Xie Jiazhen) 1150608