35 People Dead in Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake Shaking Mindanao, Philippines
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines on Monday (8/6) at 07:37 local time. Local authorities have reported that at least 35 people have died as a result of this massive natural disaster.
The strong tremors initially triggered tsunami warnings in several neighbouring countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, and Australia, before the alerts were eventually lifted or downgraded several hours later.
Various videos and images circulating online show the collapse of numerous buildings, including a Jollibee fast-food restaurant which was levelled. Additionally, landslides have been reported in several affected areas.
In a data update on Monday afternoon, the Philippine Civil Defence Office recorded 31 fatalities in the Soccsksargen region, while four other victims were found in Davao. In addition to the deaths, at least 134 people have been injured and approximately 10,000 families have been forced to evacuate. Local authorities also stated that 12 people remain missing.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr emphasised that all relevant agencies are coordinating closely to manage the disaster response. “The national government is moving, and we will not abandon Mindanao,” he promised in an official statement.
Marcos also immediately ordered the suspension of teaching and learning activities in the affected regions, as the earthquake coincided with the first day of the new school year in the Philippines.
Following the main earthquake, more than 130 aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 1.3 to 6.7, were recorded in the region. Furthermore, a separate magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the waters off Balut Island, Sarangani, later that night at approximately 22:52 local time.
The Philippines is highly prone to earthquakes due to its location within the geologically unstable zone known as the “Ring of Fire.”
Although the event caused global concern, tsunami waves detected in locations such as Japan, Indonesia, Palau, and the Philippines were reported to range from only a few centimetres to a maximum height of 1.4 metres. The exact death toll is still being verified by the Philippine national disaster management agency as reports are collected from various regions.