At Least 8 Dead, Over 200 Injured After 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Philippines

Published 8 June 2026 · world

At Least 8 Dead, Over 200 Injured After 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Philippines Published By, Last Updated: June 08, 2026, 11:36 IST Philippines earthquake kills

At Least 8 Dead, Over 200 Injured After 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Philippines Published By, Last Updated: June 08, 2026, 11:36 IST Philippines earthquake kills at least four and injures over 200. The 7.8 quake triggers tsunami alerts in Japan and Indonesia. Photo bystanders reacting to the collapse of a Jollibee fast food restaurant in an 7.8 magnitude earthquake in General Santos City on June 8, 2026. A 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the southern Philippines on June 8. (Photo: AFP) A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines on Monday, leaving at least eight people dead and more than 200 injured, according to state authorities. The earthquake triggered tsunami alerts in several countries, including Japan and Indonesia, prompting emergency evacuations and safety measures in coastal areas. The offshore quake struck south of General Santos City, a major urban centre with a population of about 720,000 people. Authorities urged residents in vulnerable coastal areas to move to safer locations as fears of tsunami waves spread across the region. Buildings collapse as aftershocks hit A series of strong aftershocks shook the affected region beginning around two hours after the initial quake, according to the United States Geological Survey.

The strongest aftershock measured 6.5 in magnitude. Videos showed widespread damage in General Santos City. A shopping centre housing a Jollibee fast-food restaurant was reduced to rubble, while a school building collapsed completely. Officials said the school was unoccupied at the time. “Lord, it has really collapsed! … The building has really collapsed!" a bystander was heard shouting in footage showing the structure falling. Casualties reported Police Major Roland Catoburan said two people were killed in Alabel, a municipality near General Santos City. “We have casualties. A wall fell on them," he told AFP. He added that some police stations suffered structural damage, with officers barred from re-entering buildings because of cracked walls. Master Sergeant Robert Dagon of the General Santos City police separately confirmed another reported death and four injuries. “Many buildings were affected, but I cannot enumerate them now because we are busy with ongoing rescues," Dagon said. Authorities later reported that the death toll had reached at least four, while more than 200 people were injured. Tsunami warnings trigger evacuations The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that tsunami waves could reach coastal areas within three hours of the earthquake.