MANILA, Philippines – Several local government units (LGUs) in Sarangani Province have announced the suspension of classes and government work on Tuesday, June 9, following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck offshore Maasim, Sarangani on Monday morning.
The powerful earthquake, which occurred at 7:37 a.m., was linked by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to subduction activity along the Cotabato Trench, a major earthquake-generating structure off the southern coast of Mindanao.
The quake generated destructive ground shaking in several areas of Mindanao and triggered tsunami waves of up to one meter along the coasts of Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat, prompting authorities to issue tsunami warnings and conduct precautionary evacuations in vulnerable communities.
As of Monday morning, PHIVOLCS had recorded more than 130 aftershocks, including several strong events, and warned that aftershocks may continue for days or even weeks.
In response, local officials suspended classes and government work in affected areas to allow for damage assessment, ensure public safety, and minimize risks associated with aftershocks and other earthquake-related hazards.
Authorities also reminded residents to remain vigilant for possible landslides, rockfalls, liquefaction, and structural damage, particularly in areas that experienced strong ground shaking.
This list will be updated as more local government units and schools announce class and work suspensions.
Class and Work Suspensions
- Sarangani Province – Classes at all levels and work in all provincial government offices are suspended until further notice.
- Alabel, Sarangani – Classes at all levels in public and private schools, as well as operations in all government offices within the municipality, are suspended.
- Maasim, Sarangani – Classes at all levels in public and private schools and work in all offices, establishments, and institutions are suspended.
- Maitum, Sarangani – Classes at all levels in public and private schools are suspended on June 8 and 9, while work in all government offices within the municipality is likewise suspended.
- Malungon, Sarangani – The suspension of classes in all levels for both public and private schools is hereby EXTENDED until further notice.
Residents are advised to monitor official announcements from their respective local government units, schools, and disaster management offices for updates regarding class suspensions, work cancellations, and other emergency measures.
The Summit Express will continue to update this page as additional suspension announcements are released.
— The Summit Express
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