Horrific experiences of the 7.8 Philippine earthquake (videos)

A powerful earthquake occurred on June 8, 2026, at approximately 7:37 AM local time, in the sea area off the coast of Mindanao in the Southern Philippines. This earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter scale, is considered one of the most powerful earthquakes to affect the country in several decades, and it has become the largest and most destructive natural disaster in the country since the 1990 Luzon earthquake.

The epicenter of this earthquake was located between 26 and 32 kilometers off the coast of Maasim in Sarangani province or west-southwest of the Cablalan area, and its depth was reported to be approximately 55 kilometers. This movement was caused by the subduction of tectonic plates along the Cotabato Trench, and the area was severely shaken for about 30 seconds.

According to the latest reports, between 35 and 45 people have lost their lives due to this disaster, and over 450 people have been injured. A small number of others are missing, and most deaths occurred due to collapsed buildings and landslides.

General Santos City and its surrounding areas suffered severe property damage, with several commercial buildings, including a Jollibee restaurant, partially collapsing. As the earthquake occurred on the first day of the new academic year, over 6,000 schools, 2,500 homes, and more than 117 government buildings sustained significant damage.

Along with the earthquake, tsunami waves about a meter high caused damage by crashing into southern coastal villages, and small waves were reported as far as Indonesia, Palau, and Southern Japan. Due to this, authorities took steps to issue tsunami warnings for several countries including the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, and Australia.

Following the main earthquake, over 300 aftershocks, including one measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale, were reported in the region in the following days. As a result, between 20,000 and 32,000 people have been displaced and are staying in relief camps, and schools in affected areas have been closed. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has deployed relief teams, and many children's lives have been saved due to earthquake drills conducted in schools beforehand.

The Philippines is a country constantly affected by earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, and this event once again highlights the risks associated with the Cotabato Trench. Previously, the 1976 Moro Gulf earthquake and tsunami, which measured 8.0 on the Richter scale, is considered the most severe seismic event in the country's history. Several videos below

Watch the video of how school children panicked ›

Watch the video of how buildings collapsed ›