A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani on Monday morning, June 8, prompting tsunami warnings, widespread evacuations across parts of Mindanao, and the suspension of classes in affected areas.
The earthquake occurred at 7:37 a.m. and was felt across several provinces in Mindanao.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned that tsunami waves exceeding one meter above normal tide levels could affect coastal communities, with the first waves expected to arrive between 7:37 a.m. and 9:37 a.m.
Authorities ordered residents in coastal areas of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato to move to higher ground or farther inland as a precaution.
“Owners of boats in harbors, estuaries, or shallow coastal water of the abovementioned provinces should secure their boats and move away from the waterfront. Boats already at sea during this period should stay offshore in deep waters until further advised,” Phivolcs said.
Government agencies immediately activated emergency response measures following the quake.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed national agencies to coordinate disaster response operations, preposition relief supplies, and prepare evacuation centers for displaced residents.
“To our kababayans in the affected provinces, please heed the tsunami warning. Move to higher ground now. Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything left behind,” Marcos said.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development readied relief assistance, while the Department of Public Works and Highways prepared to assess roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure for possible damage.
The Department of Health also activated crisis protocols and placed emergency response teams on standby, including personnel from Luzon and the Visayas who may be deployed if needed.
The Department of Education suspended classes in affected areas of Mindanao and began coordinating with local government units to assess damage to school facilities.
Initial reports indicated that a building at Matanao National High School in Davao del Sur collapsed following the tremor.
Images and videos circulating online showed frightened students gathering in open areas after the earthquake.
In Davao Occidental, elementary pupils were seen taking cover outdoors while strong shaking occurred.
Another video showed part of a school roof collapsing in Davao del Sur, although no injuries were immediately reported.
In General Santos City, which recorded the strongest shaking at Intensity VII, photos showed structural damage to several buildings.
Reports also emerged of damage to commercial establishments and other structures in nearby Sarangani province.
Benjie Ancheta, police chief of Alabel town in Sarangani, said cracks appeared in their police station following the earthquake.
“This is the strongest earthquake we’ve experienced,” Ancheta told Reuters.
No deaths were immediately reported as of Monday morning, although authorities continued conducting assessments in affected communities. Some residents reportedly fainted during the strong shaking.
Phivolcs said damage and aftershocks are expected. Recorded earthquake intensities reached Intensity VII in General Santos City, Intensity VI in parts of Sultan Kudarat, and Intensity V in Davao City and several areas of Cotabato and Zamboanga Peninsula.
The earthquake also prompted tsunami warnings in neighboring Indonesia and parts of Japan.
Both countries, along with the Philippines, lie along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. Meanwhile, authorities reported that no tsunami threat had been detected for Hawaii.
Photo courtesy of Reuters
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