Mindanao, Philippines struck by 7.8‑magnitude quake, dozens dead and tsunami alerts
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the Mindanao region of the southern Philippines on June 8, 2026, at 07:37 local time. The epicentre was off the coast of Sarangani Province, about 13 km southwest of General Santos city and 24 km offshore.
Official counts vary, but authorities reported between 15 and 35 fatalities, more than 130 injuries, and dozens of people missing. The tremor caused extensive building collapse in General Santos and surrounding towns, including the destruction of a Jollibee fast‑food outlet and damage to schools, supermarkets and residential structures. Power and telecommunications were disrupted, and several aftershocks—over 130 recorded, some up to magnitude 6.7—continued through the following days.
The quake generated a tsunami threat. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and national agencies issued alerts for the Philippines and neighboring coasts of Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Palau and other Pacific nations, warning of waves up to three metres. Alerts were lifted several hours later as wave activity subsided.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered an immediate government response, directing disaster‑relief agencies to coordinate rescue operations, suspend all classes for millions of students, and provide emergency funding. International partners, including the United States, France, Japan and New Zealand, pledged assistance. Rescue teams, police, the Red Cross and volunteers continue search‑and‑rescue work while evacuated residents are housed in temporary shelters.