Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake Strikes Philippines, Killing 15; Tsunami Alerts Across Region

A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao in the southern Philippines early on June 8 (local time), killing at least 15 people and injuring 129, mostly from falling debris, authorities reported. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake hit at 7:40 a.m. local time (23:40 GMT June 7), with its epicenter about 32 kilometers west of the town of Maasim in Sarangani province at a depth of 33 kilometers.

By midday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology had recorded 138 aftershocks, the strongest reaching magnitude 6.7. Tremors were felt strongly in 12 provinces, as far as 420 kilometers away, and even in Manado, Indonesia, on Sulawesi Island. Many schools that were preparing to welcome students back after a long break were forced to evacuate.

Tsunami Warnings

Tsunami warnings were issued for the southern Philippines, northern Indonesia, and the Malaysian state of Sabah. Japan's Meteorological Agency also issued a caution, recording a tsunami of 0.2 meters (0.66 feet), closing beaches and suspending some ferry services. The U.S. Tsunami Warning System indicated several countries could be affected, and Australia initially warned of potential tsunami waves along its northern coastlines.

In Indonesia, a tsunami of up to 0.75 meters (2.5 feet) was observed in parts of North Sulawesi, prompting residents to flee to higher ground. A spokesman for Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency reported only minor damage.

Government Response

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered an emergency response in Mindanao, directing agencies to prepare relief supplies, evacuation centers, and rescue operations. "The central government is acting, and we will not abandon Mindanao," he stated.

In General Santos City, home to about 700,000 people, a fast-food restaurant building collapsed, and a hospital was evacuated due to fears over cracks appearing on upper floors. A building at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University also collapsed, but no one was inside. University President Manuel de Leon recounted, "I had to duck under the table. The earthquake was very long and strong."

The police chief of Alabel town in Sarangani province said the earthquake struck during a flag-raising ceremony, causing many people to faint. "This is the strongest earthquake we have ever experienced," he said by phone. The Philippine military deployed disaster response units to affected areas.

Seismic Context

This earthquake comes eight months after a magnitude 6.9 quake off Cebu island in October 2025 that killed 79 people. Two weeks later, Mindanao was hit by two more strong earthquakes, the largest reaching magnitude 7.4. The Philippines and Indonesia lie on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a zone of frequent seismic activity.

Images from Sarangani province showed damaged storefronts, collapsed signs, broken glass, and piles of rubble. A video from a school captured the moment of the quake, showing a group of children sitting on the floor swaying, then running in panic as a temporary shelter roof collapsed behind them. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed readiness to assist the Philippines and offered prayers for those affected.