A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off Mindanao, damaging buildings, disrupting travel and prompting tsunami warnings across the region.
DAVAO, Philippines — A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern Philippines on Monday morning, killing at least 35 people, injuring more than 200 and sending tsunami waves onto nearby coastlines as rescue crews searched damaged buildings across Mindanao.
The earthquake hit near Sarangani province at the start of the workday and on the first day of classes following a school break. Authorities said most deaths were linked to landslides, collapsing structures and falling debris. The disaster prompted class cancellations, airport closures and large-scale rescue operations while officials assessed damage and monitored hundreds of aftershocks that continued throughout the day.
The quake struck at 7:37 a.m. offshore southwest of Maasim town in Sarangani province. Tremors were felt across Mindanao, the Philippines’ second most populous island, and reached neighboring parts of Indonesia. Emergency officials reported widespread panic as residents rushed from homes, schools and businesses. Rod Sosmeña, a regional director with the Office of Civil Defense, said the shaking was severe enough to force people into the streets. “The shaking was very strong and people dashed out of houses into the streets,” Sosmeña said. Authorities quickly suspended classes in several affected provinces and deployed search-and-rescue teams to locations where buildings had collapsed. Early assessments showed extensive structural damage in multiple communities, particularly around General Santos, a major port city and economic center in southern Mindanao. Rescue workers spent much of the day searching damaged schools, warehouses and commercial buildings for survivors.
Officials said at least 35 people had died by Monday afternoon, though the toll was expected to change as inspections continued. In Sarangani province, a landslide in Glan killed 13 villagers. Additional deaths were reported in South Cotabato, Davao Occidental and on Balut Island. More than 200 people were reported injured. Several low-rise buildings collapsed or suffered major damage in General Santos, where authorities also reported missing persons. A supermarket, warehouse and grade school were among the structures searched by rescue crews. One hospital was evacuated after cracks appeared in upper floors. Officials also confirmed the collapse of a building at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, though no one was inside at the time. Damage assessments were continuing across roads, schools, hospitals, homes and utility systems. Authorities emphasized that many structures had not yet undergone engineering inspections and warned residents to avoid unsafe buildings.
The earthquake generated tsunami waves along parts of the southern Philippine coastline. Monitoring stations recorded waves of approximately 1 meter in Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat provinces, while a wave reaching 1.4 meters was measured in Kiamba town. Coastal communities in neighboring countries also felt the effects. Smaller tsunami waves were detected in Indonesia, Palau and southern Japan. Several coastal governments issued temporary evacuation advisories, directing residents to move to higher ground until the danger passed. In Zamboanga del Sur, officials reported damage to six stilt houses along the shoreline. By mid-afternoon, Philippine authorities lifted the tsunami warning after scientists concluded that the primary threat had subsided. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the danger had largely passed roughly five hours after the earthquake. Even so, officials urged continued caution because aftershocks could trigger additional hazards, including landslides in mountainous areas and further structural failures in damaged communities.
The disaster unfolded as schools reopened after an extended break. More than 100 students and about a dozen teachers were attending a flag-raising ceremony at a rural elementary school in Malita, Davao Occidental, when the shaking began. Video from the scene showed students seated outdoors as a nearby canopy collapsed. Principal Rosavel Cachuela said the experience was frightening for children attending their first day of classes, though no injuries were reported at the campus. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered classes canceled in affected provinces and instructed national agencies to mobilize relief supplies, evacuation centers and rescue resources. “The national government is moving and we will not leave Mindanao behind,” Marcos said. International governments, including the United States, France, Japan and New Zealand, expressed support and indicated they were prepared to assist if needed. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines temporarily closed General Santos airport, resulting in the cancellation of 17 domestic flights while inspections were carried out.
By late Monday, emergency crews remained at damaged sites across General Santos and neighboring provinces. Engineers continued structural inspections while seismologists tracked more than 200 aftershocks, including several strong tremors exceeding magnitude 6. Teresito Bacolcol, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, warned that weakened buildings could still collapse. The Philippines sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making earthquakes and volcanic activity a frequent threat. Officials said rescue operations, damage assessments and searches for missing people would continue into the coming days as authorities worked to determine the full scale of the disaster and support affected communities.
As of Monday evening, rescue teams were still searching damaged structures, confirming casualty figures and evaluating infrastructure. Authorities said updated damage reports and additional inspection results were expected in the next several days as aftershock activity continued across Mindanao.
Author note: Last updated June 8, 2026.