A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani on Monday morning, June 8, killing at least three people, damaging buildings, disrupting utility services, and triggering tsunami warnings in parts of Mindanao on the opening day of classes.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said the tectonic quake occurred at 7:37 am. It was initially recorded at magnitude 7.0 before being upgraded to magnitude 7.8.
PHIVOLCS located the epicenter about 32 kilometers southwest of Maasim, Sarangani, at a depth of 33 kilometers.
Following the offshore tremor, authorities in the Philippines and Indonesia issued tsunami warnings and urged residents in affected coastal communities to immediately evacuate to higher ground. Phivolcs said the first tsunami waves could arrive between 7:37 am and 9:37 am and may continue for several hours.
The strong shaking, which lasted around 30 seconds in Koronadal City, disrupted internet, electricity, and water services in parts of South Cotabato and nearby areas.
The quake struck as schools opened for the new academic year, forcing students and teachers to rush out of classrooms as school officials implemented emergency evacuation procedures.
The Cotabato City government suspended classes in all levels, while Kidapawan City suspended both classes and government work as authorities checked for possible structural damage.
Students at Cotabato City Central Pilot Elementary School and other schools in the city were evacuated from classrooms as a precaution. In Kidapawan City, concerned parents rushed to Kidapawan City Pilot Elementary School after feeling the tremor at around 7:40 am.
In General Santos City, portions of SM City General Santos reportedly sustained damage. Initial reports also showed that several other buildings in the city were affected by the powerful shaking.
PHIVOLCS reported Intensity VII in General Santos City; Intensity VI in Palimbang and Senator Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat; and Intensity V in Davao City, Kidapawan City, Carmen in Cotabato, Bagumbayan, Kalamansig, and President Quirino in Sultan Kudarat, as well as Sibuco and Siocon in Zamboanga del Norte.
Instrumental Intensity VIII was recorded in Malapatan, Sarangani, while Instrumental Intensity VII was registered in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and Santa Maria, Davao Occidental.
PHIVOLCS warned that damage and aftershocks were expected after the major quake. An aftershock was recorded at 7:49 am and was felt in nearby areas.
Authorities continued to assess damage, monitor service interruptions, and carry out emergency response operations in affected communities.