Earthquake damages buildings in GenSan, sends people into streets

A powerful earthquake that struck Davao Occidental and was felt in parts of Mindanao on Friday caused damage to several establishments in General Santos City. 

A video showed some mall-goers hiding under the tables of a restaurant while crying for help amid the 6.8 magnitude quake. The strong tremors caused portions of the mall ceiling to collapse. 

An individual also reportedly jumped off from the mall's second floor to the ground floor out of fear,  GMA Regional TV One Mindanao’s Abbey Caballero reported on “24 Oras."  He sustained minor injuries.

Meanwhile, students from various schools were rushed to hospitals after they felt nauseous due to the earthquake.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology earlier reported that a magnitude 6.8 quake hit Sarangani, Davao Occidental at around 4:14 p.m.

Intensity VIII was felt in the Glan, Sarangani and General Santos City

The Office of Civil Defense Region 12 clarified there is no tsunami threat raised over General Santos City following the tremors. 

Residents in Mindanao were advised to remain vigilant against aftershocks and to wait for further advisories from their respective local government units.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News