Mindanao quake damages marine habitats and affects 1.6 million people

A magnitude‑7.8 earthquake struck offshore Maasim, Sarangani in Mindanao on June 8, 2026. The tremor caused coastal uplift in several barangays of Sarangani Bay, exposing and killing coral reefs and seagrass beds. The damage to marine resources in the initially assessed five barangays was estimated at about P70 billion, threatening habitats of dugongs, sea turtles and other protected species.

The quake also impacted 1.59 million individuals across the Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Zamboanga Peninsula and BARMM, with 77 confirmed deaths, 1,339 injuries and 31 missing persons. Infrastructure damage—including 130 road sections, 47 bridges and power lines—was valued at roughly P1.36 billion, and over 68,000 houses were partially damaged while more than 14,000 were totally destroyed.