MINDANAO, Philippines, June 8, 2026 – A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mindanao on Monday morning, killing at least 35 people, injuring more than 200, and triggering tsunami warnings across the western Pacific.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at 07:37 local time at a depth of approximately 35 km (21.7 miles). The epicenter was located offshore near General Santos City in southern Mindanao, one of the Philippines’ most populous regions.
The quake caused widespread damage across several provinces, collapsing buildings, triggering landslides, and prompting the evacuation of thousands of residents.
The worst impacts were reported in Sarangani Province, where at least 13 people were killed in a landslide triggered by the earthquake. Local authorities reported additional fatalities across nearby communities, bringing the overall death toll to at least 35.
More than 200 people were injured, while dozens remain unaccounted for as search-and-rescue operations continue.
In General Santos City, home to approximately 720,000 residents, photographs showed collapsed convenience stores, damaged buildings, and large piles of concrete debris. One of the most striking images from the disaster showed a Jollibee restaurant partially collapsing, leaving the structure severely damaged.
Power and communications were temporarily disrupted in parts of Sarangani and neighboring areas before being gradually restored.
Authorities have also reported damage to homes, schools, shops, and public buildings across southern Mindanao.
Panic as Schools Reopen
The earthquake struck on the first day of the new academic year, creating chaotic scenes in schools across the region.
Videos shared on social media showed dozens of elementary school students in Davao Occidental crouching outdoors as the ground shook violently beneath them. At another school in Davao del Sur, part of a campus roof collapsed while students gathered on a sports field. No injuries were reported in either incident.
In Davao City, emergency officials reported that more than 100 students suffered minor bruises, while others fainted during the panic that followed the strong shaking.
PANOORIN: Gumuho ang parte ng Matanao National High School sa Matanao, Davao del Sur dahil sa 7.8 magnitude na lindol na naranasan sa buong Mindanao, ngayong araw, June 8. Ayon sa eskuwelahan, ligtas naman ang mga estudyante, guro at magulang na nasa lugar ng nangyaring lindol.… pic.twitter.com/eaawnFPvWL
— GMA News (@gmanews) June 8, 2026
The earthquake was followed by an intense aftershock sequence.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded at least 138 aftershocks, ranging from minor tremors to a significant M6.7 event.
Authorities warned residents to remain alert as additional strong aftershocks remain possible in the coming days.
Tsunami Warnings Across the Pacific
The powerful offshore earthquake triggered tsunami warnings and advisories for parts of the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, and Australia.
Residents in vulnerable coastal areas were urged to move to higher ground immediately following the quake.
Tsunami waves were later detected along the coasts of the Philippines, Indonesia, Palau, and Japan. Wave heights ranged from a few centimeters to approximately 1.4 meters (4.6 feet).
In Japan, small tsunami waves were recorded in Okinawa and the Ogasawara Islands. No tsunami threat was reported for Hawaii.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center stated that the primary tsunami threat had largely passed about five hours after the earthquake, though authorities continued to advise caution as sea levels could remain unstable.
A Major Earthquake Along the Ring of Fire
The Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most active seismic zones, where several tectonic plates interact and generate frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
While many earthquakes in the region are relatively minor, powerful events can be devastating. Monday’s M7.8 earthquake ranks among the strongest to strike the Philippines in recent years and serves as another reminder of the country’s significant seismic risk.
