A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines on Monday, killing at least eight people and injuring more than 200, according to officials. The strong offshore quake hit south of General Santos City, a major urban centre with a population of around 720,000, causing widespread panic and destruction.
What damage has been reported after the quake?
Several buildings collapsed as the tremors shook the region. Visuals from General Santos City showed a shopping centre, which housed a Jollibee outlet, reduced to rubble. A school building also collapsed completely, though officials confirmed it was empty at the time, preventing further casualties.
Aftershocks began about two hours after the main quake, with the strongest measuring 6.5 magnitude, according to the United States Geological Survey. These aftershocks caused further damage and increased fear among residents.
Police officials reported deaths in nearby areas, including Alabel, where a wall collapse killed two people. Several police stations also suffered structural damage, forcing officers to stay outside due to safety concerns. Rescue operations are still ongoing, and authorities say the number of affected buildings could rise.
Why were tsunami warnings issued across the region?
The quake triggered tsunami alerts across multiple countries. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that waves could reach coastal areas within three hours. Alerts were issued for the Philippines, Indonesia, Palau, Taiwan, and Papua New Guinea.
Authorities urged residents in coastal areas to immediately move to higher ground. In Kiamba town, close to the epicentre, nearly 80 per cent of the population was evacuated to safer locations.
What steps have authorities taken so far?
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos suspended classes in affected parts of Mindanao on what was supposed to be the first day of the school year. He also issued a strong warning to residents to prioritise safety over belongings.
Airports, including the one in General Santos City, have been shut until further notice. Meanwhile, nearby countries like Indonesia and Japan also issued tsunami advisories, though some alerts were later lifted.
First published on: Jun 08, 2026 12:03 PM IST
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