Major geological instability has been recorded across Sarangani and General Santos City following the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit Mindanao on June 8.
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Teresito Bacolcol confirmed the situation on Monday, warning of serious threats from landslides and structural damage.
Bacolcol in an interview detailed the extensive destruction identified by disaster teams.
”Based on the aerial and ground assessment, landslides, tension cracks, road subsidence, and rockfalls were seen in several areas in Sarangani, Davao Occidental and General Santos City, Glan and Malapatan, Sarangani, portions of General Santos and T’boli Road, as well as some sections of Sarangani-Davao Occidental Coastal Road,” Bacolcol noted.
The PHIVOLCS chief warned that changing weather conditions could worsen the structural integrity of the affected landscapes, putting communities at immediate risk.
He urged vulnerable residents to coordinate closely with their local government units (LGUs) for safety and potential relocation.
”Places with tension cracks might collapse, especially during heavy rains,” Bacolcol cautioned. “Be ready to evacuate when needed.”
Compounding the danger, the region continues to experience persistent seismic activity.
As of Monday, PHIVOLCS has recorded 6,144 aftershocks following the main quake. The aftershocks have ranged in magnitude from 1.2 to 6.4, with 1,473 precisely located and 78 distinctly felt by residents.