Massive earthquake of 7.8 magnitude jolts Philippines; tsunami warning issued, three killed
PTC News Desk: At least three people were killed and four others injured after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippine city of General Santos on Monday, according to Reuters.
The quake, which struck at a depth of 10 kilometres, triggered widespread concern across the region. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center subsequently issued a tsunami warning for the next three hours for parts of the coastlines of Indonesia, Philippines, Palau, Taiwan and Papua New Guinea.
According to the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, the earthquake occurred at a relatively shallow depth, a factor that can increase the intensity of ground shaking and the risk of tsunami generation.
Videos circulating on social media platform X appeared to show buildings collapsing during the tremor. One widely shared clip showed a shelter structure collapsing at a school ground where children had gathered. The footage later showed a teacher guiding students through earthquake safety procedures moments before the structure came down.
EARTHQUAKE DURING FLAG CEREMONY
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake shook Mahayahay Elementary School in Malita, Davao Occidental while a flag ceremony was being conducted.#Earthquake #Philippines ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/WDfDeArEKC — Whale | Decentra???? (@whale_decentra) June 8, 2026
Authorities are continuing to assess the damage, while emergency teams remain on alert in areas covered by the tsunami warning. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suspended school classes in affected areas of Mindanao and called on residents in coastal areas to evacuate immediately.
- With inputs from agencies
