MANILA: Emergency teams in the southern Philippines continued search and rescue operations on Tuesday after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake killed at least 35 people, injured more than 130 and displaced around 10,000 families.
Authorities said several people remain missing as crews comb through damaged buildings and landslide-hit areas across Mindanao, where the quake struck a day earlier.
The disaster triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific region, causing widespread structural damage and leaving thousands in need of shelter, food, and medical assistance. Officials warned that casualty figures could rise as assessments continue in some of the hardest-hit communities.
The earthquake struck at 7:37 am local time on Monday, with its epicentre located off Mindanao, the Philippines’ second-largest island and home to around 26 million people.
Authorities said 31 of the deaths were recorded in the Soccsksargen region, while four fatalities were reported in neighbouring Davao. At least 134 people were injured, and around 10,000 families have been displaced.
Officials also reported that 12 people remain missing as search and rescue operations continue.
Buildings collapse, landslides reported
Videos and images circulating on social media showed extensive damage in several areas, including the collapse of a Jollibee fast-food restaurant. Landslides were also reported in parts of Mindanao following the quake.
TAKBO!
Pinalad ang mga crew ng isang fast food chain na makatakbo palabas bago tuluyang gumuho ang gusali bunsod ng magnitude 7 na lindol na tumama sa General Santos City pasado alas-7:30 ng umaga ngayong Lunes, Hunyo 8. (Video courtesy of Asherxx)#lindolPH#generalsantoscity… pic.twitter.com/Z88LWLuMMm
— Pilipinas Today (@PilipinasToday_) June 8, 2026
More than 130 aftershocks, ranging in magnitude from 1.3 to 6.7, were recorded in the hours after the initial tremor, raising concerns about further damage to weakened structures.
A separate 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck waters off Balut Island in Sarangani province later on Monday evening.
Thousands displaced as emergency response expands
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said government agencies were coordinating relief and rescue efforts in affected communities.
“The national government is moving and we will not leave Mindanao behind,” Marcos said in a statement.
The president also ordered the suspension of classes in affected areas, as the earthquake struck on the first day of the new school year.
Footage from Davao Occidental showed frightened students taking shelter outdoors as buildings shook violently. A temporary shelter collapsed during the tremor, although school officials reported no injuries.
Tsunami alerts issued across the region
The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings and advisories across the Pacific region, including in the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia and Australia.
Japanese authorities initially warned that tsunami waves of up to one metre could reach coastal areas. However, the alerts were later downgraded or cancelled after smaller waves were recorded.
Tsunami waves ranging from a few centimetres to 1.4 metres were detected at several locations in the Philippines, Indonesia and Palau, according to local authorities.The
Philippines lies on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’
Earthquakes are a frequent occurrence in the Philippines due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a highly active seismic zone where several tectonic plates meet.
While many earthquakes in the country cause little damage, powerful tremors have previously resulted in significant loss of life. In September last year, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake in the central Visayas region killed more than 70 people.
Officials cautioned that casualty figures remain preliminary and are subject to verification as assessments continue across affected areas.
