Sarangani: Ground deformation has been observed in Sarangani and General Santos City areas following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that jolted parts of Mindanao last June 8, the head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Phivolcs Director, Teresito Bacolcol, reported in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview that aerial and ground assessments revealed landslides, tension cracks, road subsidence, and rockfalls in several areas. These include Sarangani, Davao Occidental, General Santos City, Glan, and Malapatan in Sarangani, as well as portions of General Santos and T'boli Road, and sections of the Sarangani-Davao Occidental Coastal Road.

Bacolcol emphasized that areas with tension cracks are at risk of collapse, especially during heavy rains. He urged residents and local government units (LGUs) to consider relocation to ensure safety. He stressed the importance of following advisories from LGUs and remaining vigilant against new cracks or slope movements. Bacolcol advised residents to be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

The magnitude 7.8 offshore Sarangani earthquake continues to generate aftershocks. As of Monday, Phivolcs recorded 6,144 aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 1.2 to 6.4. Out of these, 1,473 aftershocks were located, and 78 were felt, according to Phivolcs.