Philippines quake kills at least 19, triggers tsunami alerts across region

A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the southern Philippines on 8 June 2026 at about 07:37 local time, with its epicentre off the coast of Mindanao (Mindanaw) at a depth of roughly 35 km. The shock caused severe building collapse in General Santos and surrounding towns, killing at least 19 people (official counts ranged from 5 to 32) and injuring over 100. More than 10 000 residents were evacuated and power outages were reported. A tsunami warning was issued for the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan and Malaysia, with waves up to 3 metres predicted before the alert was later lifted. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered a full disaster response, mobilising the armed forces and urging that “we will not abandon Mindanao.” Rescue teams continue to search for missing persons as aftershocks, including a magnitude 6.1 tremor, are recorded. International aid offers have been made, and transport links such as General Santos airport were temporarily closed.