Magnitude 7.8 Mindanao Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Alerts and Mass Displacement

A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani Province in southern Mindanao on June 8, 2026, at a depth of about 33 km. The tremor was felt across Regions 11 and 12, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and adjacent areas, causing widespread building damage, power outages, and transport disruptions, including a temporary halt to flights at General Santos City Airport.

Authorities confirmed at least 38 fatalities, four missing persons and 478 injuries. Tsunami advisories were issued for several Philippine coastal provinces and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that waves could affect the Philippines, Indonesia, Palau, Taiwan and Papua New Guinea. Local governments suspended classes and office work, and emergency teams assisted schools where students were evacuated during the quake.

In the days that followed, more than 1,200 aftershocks were recorded, some reaching magnitude 6.4. Residents of Sarangani province slept outdoors on roadsides, terraces and yards as homes were damaged or deemed unsafe. Governor Rogelio "Ruel" Pacquiao reported that roads and bridges remained impassable in many areas, and damage assessments were ongoing.