Manila - At least 16 people have died and dozens others are injured as the impact of magnitude 7.7 or 7.8 earthquake in southern Philippines waters, in the first school day in morning hours, authorities said on Monday, 8 June 2026.
The powerful tremor caused buildings collapsed, triggered panic among residents, and caused tsunami in some area in the coastlines. General Santos Airport building also damaged due to the earthquake.
The tectonic tremor, possible due to earth plate movement, caused Philippine authorities and neighboring countries, including Indonesia and Fiji, have issued tsunami warnings on Monday.
In Indonesia, small tsunamis reportedly occurred in several locations in North Sulawesi and North Maluku and no casualties have been reported.
Separately in Philippines, tsunami also recorded in several coastal areas in southern part of the country.
According the Office of Civil Defense at least eight people have died due to the earthquake in Mindanao, three fatalities in General Santos City, three other in Davao and two casualties in South Cotabato have been reported as of Monday afternoon eastern hours.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday has ordered immediate assessment after the tremor.
"A strong earthquake has struck off the coast of Sarangani this morning, and a tsunami warning is now in effect across several coastal provinces in Mindanao. I have directed all relevant government agencies to act immediately," President Marcos said in a written statement.
He also has ordered the suspension of classes in all levels of education across affected areas in Mindanao until further notice.
