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Mindanao On Alert After Powerful 7.8 Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Warning
Photo credit: Jethro Paul
A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani on Monday morning, shaking large parts of Mindanao and prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning for several coastal provinces.
According to PHIVOLCS, the earthquake occurred at 7:37 a.m. and was located about 32 kilometers southwest of Maasim, Sarangani. The quake had a depth of 33 kilometers and was felt across a wide area of Mindanao, with some communities experiencing strong to destructive shaking.
General Santos City recorded Intensity VII, while Palimbang and Senator Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat experienced Intensity VI. Moderate shaking was also reported in several areas of Davao Region, Cotabato, Zamboanga Peninsula, Caraga, and parts of the Visayas.
Instrumental measurements showed even stronger ground motion in some areas. Malapatan, Sarangani registered Intensity VIII, while Koronadal City in South Cotabato and Santa Maria in Davao Occidental recorded Intensity VII.
Following the earthquake, PHIVOLCS raised a tsunami warning for several coastal provinces after assessing the possibility of tsunami waves exceeding one meter above normal tide levels. Officials warned that wave heights could be significantly higher in enclosed bays, inlets, and narrow coastal channels.
Residents living in coastal areas of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato were urged to immediately move to higher ground or evacuate farther inland.
Disaster management officials stressed that residents should not wait for visible waves before leaving vulnerable areas, noting that tsunamis often arrive in a series of waves that can remain hazardous for an extended period.
Boat owners in harbors, estuaries, and shallow coastal waters were also advised to secure their vessels and stay away from the shoreline. Meanwhile, boats already at sea were instructed to remain in deep waters until authorities declare it safe to return.
Government agencies and local disaster response teams continue to monitor the situation and assess possible damage in affected communities. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm, stay alert for aftershocks, and follow official advisories as response operations continue.
According to PHIVOLCS, the earthquake occurred at 7:37 a.m. and was located about 32 kilometers southwest of Maasim, Sarangani. The quake had a depth of 33 kilometers and was felt across a wide area of Mindanao, with some communities experiencing strong to destructive shaking.
General Santos City recorded Intensity VII, while Palimbang and Senator Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat experienced Intensity VI. Moderate shaking was also reported in several areas of Davao Region, Cotabato, Zamboanga Peninsula, Caraga, and parts of the Visayas.
Instrumental measurements showed even stronger ground motion in some areas. Malapatan, Sarangani registered Intensity VIII, while Koronadal City in South Cotabato and Santa Maria in Davao Occidental recorded Intensity VII.
Following the earthquake, PHIVOLCS raised a tsunami warning for several coastal provinces after assessing the possibility of tsunami waves exceeding one meter above normal tide levels. Officials warned that wave heights could be significantly higher in enclosed bays, inlets, and narrow coastal channels.
Residents living in coastal areas of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato were urged to immediately move to higher ground or evacuate farther inland.
Disaster management officials stressed that residents should not wait for visible waves before leaving vulnerable areas, noting that tsunamis often arrive in a series of waves that can remain hazardous for an extended period.
Boat owners in harbors, estuaries, and shallow coastal waters were also advised to secure their vessels and stay away from the shoreline. Meanwhile, boats already at sea were instructed to remain in deep waters until authorities declare it safe to return.
Government agencies and local disaster response teams continue to monitor the situation and assess possible damage in affected communities. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm, stay alert for aftershocks, and follow official advisories as response operations continue.
Jun 8, 2026
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