Killer 7.8 earthquake rocks Mindanao: Death toll rises to 31 as buildings collapse in Philippines' south — rescue operations ongoing

Manila: At least 31 were killed and 129 injured following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Sarangani at 7.37 am local time on Monday (June 8, 2026) in Mindanao, in the Philippines' south.

The strong quake has been described as one of the strongest quakes to hit the Philippines in decades.

The initial death toll, people who were reportedly killed immediately due to the deadly tremor, is preliminary.

Authorities reported more than 200 injuries, primarily from collapsing structures, falling debris and landslides in areas including General Santos City, South Cotabato and nearby provinces.

Some buildings partially collapsed in General Santos, and a key bridge sustained cracks.

Rescue operations are ongoing.

The General Santos International Airport reportedly sustained major damage.

Authorities in the Philippines and Indonesia urged residents in affected coastal regions to move to higher ground immediately, after the offshore quake hit about 24 kilometres west of Mindanao island's Sarangani province, the United States Geological Survey said.

Local authorities reported power outages, airport disruptions.

More than 100 aftershocks (multiple recorded, including stronger ones) were recorded so far as of 3.31pm local time on Monday.

Philippines and local disaster agencies urged residents in affected coastal zones to move to higher ground.

Preliminary data shows Monday's tremor was the strongest earthquake to hit the Philippines since 1990.

As Phivolcs and civil defence officials continue to monitor the situation, residents were advised to prepare for potential aftershocks and follow official guidance.

The situation is evolving rapidly with ongoing rescues, aftershock monitoring, and damage assessments.

No major tsunami impacts hasbeen confirmed in the earliest hours, but authorities urged caution.

Following are the latest updates on the Mindanao (Sarangani) earthquake as of early June 8, 2026):

• Event: A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck at 7:37 am local time (PST) on June 8, 2026.

• Epicenter was approximately 26 km southwest of Kablalan in Sarangani province, southern Mindanao, at a depth of around 55 km (some initial reports varied; Phivolcs initially reported ~7.0 before upward revision).

• Impact area: Strong shaking affected regions home to millions, including parts of Mindanao.

Video and images circulating on social media showed the immediate effects in Tantangan, Koronadal City, in South Cotabato province, where several motorcycles lay toppled on a highway.

One post described the post-earthquake scene — showing fallen bikes and vehicles stuck along a cracked roadway.

• Damage in General Santos City: A Jollibee fast-food outlet (part of a commercial building/shopping center) collapsed, along with reports of a high school building and other structures (e.g., St. Marcellin Chapel mentioned in some accounts) sustaining heavy damage or collapse.

• Videos captured the Jollibee collapse and other building failures.

• Casualties: At least 1 death and 4 injuries reported in initial assessments from General Santos City police.

• Tsunami response: Tsunami warnings were issued for coastal areas in the Philippines and neighboring countries (e.g., alerts reached Malaysia, Indonesia, and others).

• Evacuations to higher ground occurred.

• No major destructive waves reported in early updates, though warnings noted possible waves (up to 1–3 meters in some forecasts) and advised vigilance for hours.

• Other effects: Power outages, airport disruptions, and expected aftershocks (multiple recorded, including stronger ones).

• Government response: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledged national government support and aid.