Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake Hits Mindanao, Tsunami Watch Issued for Several Cities

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake rocked the southern coast of Mindanao, Philippines, on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 06:37:42 Western Indonesian Time (WIB). The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported the seismic event, which generated significant concern for potential tsunamis.

Analysis by BMKG revealed the earthquake's epicenter was situated at coordinates 5.80° North latitude and 125.14° East longitude. This location places it 244 kilometers northwest of Pulau Karatung in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, at a relatively shallow depth of 47 kilometers. BMKG's Director of Earthquakes and Tsunamis, Wijayanto, stated that the earthquake was of a shallow tectonic type, caused by the subduction of tectonic plates, and had a thrust fault mechanism.

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The earthquake that occurred is a shallow tectonic earthquake resulting from plate subduction.

Following the main tremor, the earthquake generated tsunami alerts across a wide region. A 'Siaga' (Alert) status was issued for numerous cities including Minahasa, Bolaangmongondow, Manado City, North Minahasa, South Minahasa, Buol, Sangihe Islands, Gorontalo, Talaud Islands, Minahasa Islands, Toli-toli, Palu City, Donggala, Ternate City, and Bitung City. Additionally, a 'Waspada' (Watch) status was declared for Tidore City, Bulungan, Nunukan, Halmahera, Tarakan City, North Halmahera, East Kutai, South Minahasa, Bontang City, and Berau.

As of 07:00 WIB, BMKG monitoring indicated at least one aftershock with a maximum magnitude of 6.7, underscoring the ongoing seismic activity in the region. The alerts prompted preparedness measures in coastal communities across the affected areas.

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The analysis of the source mechanism shows that the earthquake has a thrust fault movement mechanism.