Powerful 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Devastates Southern Philippines, Killing at Least 15

A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake rocked southern Philippines on Monday morning, June 8, 2026, leaving at least 15 people dead and over 100 injured. The quake, centered off the coast near Sarangani province in Mindanao, caused buildings to collapse and triggered tsunami warnings across the region.

Authorities in the Philippines and Indonesia urged coastal residents to evacuate to higher ground immediately. In the Soccsksargen region of Mindanao alone, 12 people died and 129 were injured, according to regional civil defense director Rodrigo Sosmena. Three more fatalities were reported in Davao Occidental province.

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Move to higher ground now. Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything left behind.

Video verified on Facebook showed a shopping center in General Santos City reduced to rubble. "Many buildings were affected, but I cannot name them now because we are busy with ongoing rescue operations," said Police Sergeant Major Robert Dagon. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts for potential tsunami waves within three hours along coastlines of the Philippines, Indonesia, Palau, Taiwan, and Papua New Guinea.

Following the initial 7.8 magnitude quake, a 6.1 magnitude aftershock struck the area about two hours later. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos suspended school activities in affected areas and implored residents to evacuate. "Move to higher ground now. Do not wait," he urged. "Your life is more important than anything left behind."

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Many buildings were affected, but I cannot name them now because we are busy with ongoing rescue operations.