MANILA — A strong offshore earthquake measuring magnitude 7.8 struck the southern Philippines on Monday (June 8), leaving at least one person dead and several others injured while damaging buildings and triggering tsunami warnings across parts of the region.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the epicenter was located about 24 kilometers west of Sarangani province in Mindanao. Following the quake, authorities in the Philippines and Indonesia urged residents in coastal areas to evacuate to higher ground as a safety measure.
Police reported initial casualties as rescue and assessment efforts continued. “So far, there is one reported death and four injured. This is an initial report,” said Master Sergeant Robert Dagon of the General Santos City police.
He added that multiple buildings had collapsed, while others sustained varying levels of damage, though officials were still unable to provide a full list as emergency operations were ongoing.
Footage verified by AFP and circulated online showed significant destruction in General Santos City, including a partially collapsed commercial building with a fast-food outlet and a school structure that gave way during the quake. Residents were heard reacting in shock as the buildings fell.
