M 7.7 Earthquake Shakes Philippines, Death Toll Rises to Three

The death toll from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in the southern Philippines has risen to three. The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings across the entire region.

Philippine authorities have urged residents in affected coastal areas to move to higher ground following the offshore earthquake that struck General Santos, a city in the southern Philippines with a population of approximately 720,000. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a series of strong aftershocks rattled the area about two hours after the initial quake.

Videos uploaded to social media and verified by AFP show a shopping mall, featuring a Jollibee fast-food restaurant, in General Santos City reduced to rubble. Meanwhile, a school building, which officials stated was unoccupied, collapsed at another location.

“My God, it really collapsed! … This building has truly collapsed!” someone could be heard shouting as the school building crumbled, as reported by AFP on Monday (8/6/2026).

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre stated in a notice that tsunami waves could occur “within the next three hours” along the coasts of the Philippines, Indonesia, Palau, Taiwan, and Papua New Guinea.

Police Major Roland Catoburan told AFP that two people died after being hit by a collapsing wall in Alabel, a town near General Santos. Sergeant Major Robert Dagon of the General Santos police separately confirmed one additional death and four injuries.

“Many buildings have been affected, but I cannot list them all right now as we are busy with ongoing rescue operations,” said Dagon.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos ordered the suspension of teaching and learning activities in the affected areas of Mindanao island and called on residents in coastal areas to evacuate immediately.

“Move to higher ground now. Do not wait,” he said. “Your life is more important than anything left behind.”

In Kiamba, a coastal town near the earthquake’s epicentre, approximately 50,000 residents have evacuated. “As of now, 80 per cent of the population has moved to higher ground,” said Agripino Dacera, head of regional disaster management. “All coastal villages have been instructed to proceed to evacuation centres.”

Officials also stated that the airport in General Santos has been closed until further notice.