A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck parts of Mindanao at 7:37 a.m. on Monday, June 8, damaging the main building at the UST General Santos (GenSan) campus and forcing the suspension of office operations.
The strong tremor toppled the cross atop the main building, which officials said sustained visible damage and was undergoing further structural evaluation.
In a statement, UST GenSan said no students, academic staff, or support personnel were harmed because the earthquake struck before regular office hours and classes began.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the earthquake’s epicenter was located at about 13 kilometers south of General Santos City.
UST GenSan suspended office operations until further notice following the quake.
“So far, wala namang casualty,” Facilities Management Office Director Dennis Manejero told the Varsitarian.
“Nangyari ang lindol before time-in ng 8 a.m., though may iilang occupants na sa loob ng main building that time,” he said.
Manejero said the building was off-limits as authorities prepared for a structural assessment.
“Restricted pa ang area, and for thorough inspection tomorrow (Tuesday) with the Office of the Building Official and FMO Manila. May mga nalaglag na debris sa loob aside from gumuho na tore,” he said.
Representatives from the UST Manila Facilities Management Office will be deployed to assist in the structural assessment and subsequent repair and reconstruction efforts.
Authorities have so far reported more than a dozen deaths and more than a hundred injured in the Soccsksargen and Davao regions.
A tsunami warning was issued but later withdrawn as only minor sea level disturbances were observed.
More than 100 aftershocks have been recorded according to disaster officials.
