MANILA – June 8, 2026 – A powerful earthquake struck offshore Mindanao early Monday morning, triggering a tsunami warning across nine coastal provinces and prompting urgent evacuation orders for thousands of residents living near the shoreline.
According to a report, citing the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the earthquake was initially measured at magnitude 7.0 before state seismologists upgraded it to magnitude 7.8 in a second advisory. The quake struck at 7:37 a.m. and was centered approximately 32 kilometers south-southwest of Maasim, Sarangani, at a depth of 33 kilometers.
Tsunami Warning Raised for Coastal Communities
PHIVOLCS warned that coastal communities in affected areas could experience tsunami waves exceeding one meter above normal tide levels. The agency noted that wave heights may be significantly higher in enclosed bays and narrow straits. Residents were advised that the first waves were expected to arrive between 7:37 a.m. and 9:37 a.m.
The following provinces were placed under the tsunami warning:
- Sarangani
- Davao Occidental
- Tawi-Tawi
- Sulu
- Basilan
- Zamboanga del Sur
- Zamboanga Sibugay
- Sultan Kudarat
- South Cotabato
Evacuation Orders Issued
PHIVOLCS strongly urged all residents in low-lying coastal areas within the affected provinces to evacuate immediately to higher ground or move farther inland. The advisory was issued as a precautionary measure, with local government units and disaster response agencies directed to actively monitor developments and prioritize the safety of vulnerable communities.
Boat owners with vessels docked in harbors, estuaries, and shallow coastal waters were told to secure their boats and keep away from the waterfront. Vessels already at sea were advised to stay in deep offshore waters until authorities give the all-clear.
Strong Shaking Felt Across Mindanao
The quake was felt with intensity levels ranging from strong to very destructive across a wide area. General Santos City recorded Intensity VII, while Malapatan in Sarangani registered the highest instrumental intensity at VIII. Shaking was also felt as far as Leyte and several provinces in Zamboanga Peninsula.
Reports from Super Radyo dzBB indicated that aftershocks continued to roll through various provinces following the initial quake, with power outages and internet disruptions affecting several areas in the region.
Filipinos with family in the affected provinces are encouraged to check on their loved ones and monitor official updates from PHIVOLCS and local disaster risk reduction agencies.