A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Monday morning, triggering tsunami warnings across the region and prompting evacuations in coastal communities.
The quake hit at 7.37am local time near General Santos at a depth of 10km, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Aftershocks of up to magnitude 6.5 were later recorded by the US Geological Survey.
Tsunami waves of up to one metre (3ft) were monitored in parts of Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani provinces, while the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that waves of up to three metres (9.8ft) were possible along some Philippine coastlines.
Indonesia and Malaysia also issued tsunami alerts for coastal areas.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr urged residents in vulnerable coastal areas to move to higher ground, warning people not to wait. “Your life is more important than anything left behind. The national government is moving and we will not leave Mindanao behind,” he said.
Local media reported debris falling from buildings in General Santos, while officials in nearby Sarangani province said power and telecommunications had been disrupted and evacuation efforts were under way in coastal communities.
Tsunami warnings issued after powerful quake
Tsunami warnings were issued across parts of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia after a powerful earthquake struck off Mindanao on Monday.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that waves of up to 9.8ft could hit some Philippine coastlines, while officials said waves of up to 3ft had already been recorded in Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani provinces.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr urged residents in vulnerable areas to move to higher ground immediately. “Please heed the tsunami warning. Move to higher ground now. Do not wait,” he said.
Authorities in Sarangani province said evacuations were under way in coastal villages as emergency teams monitored sea conditions and assessed damage.
Shahana Yasmin8 June 2026 04:28