08.06.2026 07:00
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Mindanao Island in the Philippines caused widespread panic in the region. Following the earthquake, tsunami warnings were issued for the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, and residents in coastal areas were evacuated. According to initial assessments, no casualties have been reported, but numerous buildings were damaged, and rescue teams are continuing their operations in the area.
The Mindanao region in the southern Philippines was shaken by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on Monday morning. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake occurred at 07:37 local time at a depth of approximately 35 kilometers.
The epicenter of the earthquake was reported to be off the coast of General Santos City, in the province of Sarangani, at the southernmost tip of Mindanao Island. According to initial assessments, there were no casualties, but significant damage occurred in the region.
TSUNAMI WARNING ISSUED
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) issued a tsunami alert following the earthquake. Authorities called on residents in coastal areas to move to higher ground.
The United States Tsunami Warning System announced that tsunami waves could reach 1 to 3 meters above tide levels along some coasts of the Philippines.
BUILDINGS DAMAGED
Images shared from General Santos City showed some markets and buildings damaged by the earthquake. Numerous structures in the region developed cracks, and teams have begun damage assessment work.
Alabel town Police Chief Benjie Ancheta in Sarangani stated that the earthquake occurred during a flag-raising ceremony and that cracks appeared in the police building. Ancheta said, "This was the strongest earthquake we have ever experienced."
MARCOS: MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND IMMEDIATELY
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that he has instructed all relevant agencies to immediately begin evacuation and rescue operations.
In a message, Marcos addressed citizens, saying, "Heed the tsunami warnings. Evacuate to higher ground immediately. Do not wait. Your life is worth more than anything you leave behind."
Emergency teams were put on alert in Sarangani province, which has a population of approximately 580,000.
INDONESIA AND JAPAN ALSO ON ALERT
Following the earthquake, tsunami warnings were also issued for the northeastern coasts of Indonesia and the southern coasts of Japan, extending from Ibaraki to Okinawa.
The Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia are located in the region known as the "Ring of Fire," formed by active fault lines around the Pacific Ocean, and are among the world's most active earthquake zones. Meanwhile, the United States National Weather Service stated that there is no tsunami threat to Hawaii due to the earthquake.