A powerful 6.8 magnitude undersea earthquake struck the southern Mindanao region of the Philippines on Friday, November 17. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) initially recorded the earthquake as having a magnitude of 7.2, but later downgraded it to 6.8. The quake occurred at 4:14 p.m. local time and there is currently no tsunami warning in effect.

Initial reports indicated no injuries or casualties, but sadly, two victims have now been confirmed. Corporal Christopher Laraño of General Santos City Police Station 4 confirmed that a married couple, believed to be an 18-year-old female and a 26-year-old male, died when a wall fell on them. The Office of Civil Defense has been contacted for further confirmation.

Videos shared by a local news outlet show people being evacuated from a hospital and seeking shelter on the floor of a shopping mall in General Santos city, as the powerful shaking ensued. Antennas on a 17-story building swayed vigorously, leading to the safe evacuation of its employees. The earthquake also caused damage to the Old Buayan Bridge, connecting General Santos and Sarangani.

Earthquakes are common in the Philippines, which lies on the "Ring of Fire," a belt of volcanoes encircling the Pacific Ocean, known for frequent seismic activity.

PHIVOLCS' director, Teresito C. Bacolcol, described the earthquake as "destructive," predicting significant damage. Power outages have been reported in parts of southern Philippines, and the Philippine Red Cross is providing first aid and medical attention to affected students.

Minor damage was reported at the General Santos City airport, including hairline cracks along columns in the building. However, there have been no injuries among passengers or airport staff.

The government of General Santos City issued an advisory urging locals to remain calm but vigilant, and to be alert for possible aftershocks. Government work in the city has been suspended pending structural integrity assessments, except for offices involved in essential services.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed relevant government agencies to take prompt action in ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected by the earthquake.

The Office of Civil Defense reported power outages in General Santos, Lebak, and Sultan Kudarat, as well as damaged houses in Sarangani and an affected school. Emergency alerts and warnings have been sent to six areas.

By 6:30 p.m. local time, power had been restored in certain parts of General Santos City and the Province of Sarangani, according to an update posted on the local government's Facebook page.