PHILIPPINES — 8 June 2026, A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani in the southern Philippines on Monday morning, causing building collapses, damaging infrastructure and triggering tsunami warnings across parts of Mindanao.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST), the earthquake occurred at 07:37 local time at a depth of 33 km. The epicentre was located approximately 32 km south-southwest of Maasim in Sarangani Province.
The quake was felt across a wide area of Mindanao, with PHIVOLCS reporting Intensity VII shaking in General Santos City and Intensity VI in parts of Sultan Kudarat. Instrumental readings recorded Intensity VIII in Malapatan, Sarangani.
Authorities confirmed significant structural damage in General Santos City, where several buildings collapsed during the earthquake. Images and videos shared online showed damaged commercial buildings and educational facilities, while emergency crews were deployed to search affected structures and assess damage.
The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings for coastal communities in southern Philippines, prompting evacuations in vulnerable areas. Tsunami waves were later recorded along parts of the Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat coastline, while residents were urged to remain away from beaches and low-lying coastal zones until authorities declared it safe to return.
Power outages and transport disruptions were reported in several areas, while damage assessments continued across the region. Strong aftershocks, including several exceeding magnitude 6, were recorded following the main quake.
Officials were also assessing reports of casualties and injuries as rescue and recovery operations continued.
The earthquake is believed to have originated along the Cotabato Trench, part of the tectonically active boundary where the Philippine Sea Plate subducts beneath the Eurasian Plate. The Philippines lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active regions.
Authorities urged residents to remain alert for further aftershocks and to monitor official advisories for updates on tsunami risks and emergency response efforts.