GENERAL SANTOS: Rescuers searched ruined buildings in the southern Philippines on Tuesday to ensure no one was still trapped a day after one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the country in a half-century killed at least 37 people and displaced more than 32,000. Only four people were considered missing on official records in the southern provinces near where the 7.8 magnitude quake struck Monday morning, but the Office of Civil Defense acknowledged several collapsed and heavily damaged buildings must be thoroughly inspected for possible survivors or casualties.

A powerful earthquake shook part of the southern Philippines on Monday, causing at least 35 deaths.

Government agencies in the Philippines were scrambling to assess damages and verify casualties n the hours after a major 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

MANILA — An offshore magnitude 7.8 earthquake rocked the southern Philippines Monday, killing at least 32 people, according to provincial authorities, after toppling buildings and…