Manila, June 8, 2026 – A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of the southern Philippine island of Mindanao early Monday, triggering tsunami warnings across parts of the region and causing widespread damage.
The earthquake occurred offshore near Mindanao and was strongly felt across southern Philippines and neighboring parts of Indonesia.
Authorities initially warned residents in coastal areas to move to higher ground because of possible tsunami waves. The tsunami threat was later lifted after several hours.
Power outages, damaged buildings, landslides, and transportation disruptions were reported in several areas, particularly around General Santos.
Casualty figures are still being verified, but reports indicate at least 19 deaths and more than 130 injuries, with some sources reporting over 200 injured.
Hundreds of aftershocks have followed, some exceeding magnitude 6, prompting authorities to warn residents to avoid damaged structures.
The Philippines sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” one of the world’s most seismically active regions, making major earthquakes a recurring hazard.
