Magnitude 7.8 earthquake hits Philippines, causing 32 deaths, injuries, and tsunamis, with aftershocks disrupting rescue efforts
Aftershocks impacted the Philippines following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake, resulting in at least 32 deaths and over 200 injuries.The quake, which occurred at 7:37 AM local time, caused power outages and grounded 17 flights in General Santos city.
Deaths confirmed
The earthquake occurred approximately 13 kilometres from General Santos, with a depth of 33 kilometres.
Tsunami waves reached up to 1.4 metres on Mindanao’s southern coast and into Northern Sulawesi province in Indonesia, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
General Santos, a port city with a population of about 700,000, faced significant destruction.
The Office of Civil Defence reported casualties, primarily from collapsed structures and landslides.
Seven fatalities were confirmed in General Santos, where several buildings sustained severe damage.
Reports indicated additional deaths in South Cotabato, Davao Occidental province, and Balut Island.
Rescue efforts continue, with authorities assessing the situation of trapped students in a collapsed two-storey school in General Santos.
Terrifying visuals from another school, Lumigo Integrated School, where students and teachers experienced intense shaking during a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Brgy. E. Alegado, Glan, Sarangani Province, Philippines.
State of Calamity Just Declared in General Santos City. pic.twitter.com/mQkMWzSSBp
— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) June 8, 2026
Aftershocks recorded
As of 11 AM local time, 138 aftershocks ranging from 1.3 to 6.7 in magnitude were registered across the Philippines.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr advised residents in susceptible areas to seek higher ground immediately and to heed tsunami warnings.
Ongoing rescues are challenging as officials evaluate the full extent of building collapses.
Mindanao is home to over 27 million residents, with the majority residing on the main island.
