M7.8 tremor hits Mindanao; class openings disrupted across provinces

A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck near General Santos City on the morning of June 8, affecting nearby provinces in Mindanao and disrupting the start of classes.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS), the earthquake occurred at 7:37 a.m. and was located 13 kilometers south of General Santos City at a depth of 10 kilometers.

The quake was strongly felt across Mindanao, with General Santos City recording Intensity VII and Davao City experiencing Intensity V shaking. Tremors were also reported in part of Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato, Davao Oriental, Zamboanga Peninsula, and nearby provinces.

Several structures were completely destroyed by the earthquake.

Local government units also suspended classes and work as authorities conducted inspections of schools, offices, and public facilities for safety precaution.

In Davao City, classes at all levels both in public and private schools were suspended, along with work in local and national government offices. Private offices and institutions were also encouraged to suspend operations to ensure the safety of employees.

Philippine Institute and Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas in Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi- Tawi, Basilam, Zamboanga Del Sur,  Zamboanga Sibugay, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato.

The agency advised residents in coastal communities to move to higher ground or farther inland, warning that tsunami waves could affect areas and straits.

Damage to buildings and infrastructure was reported in several affected areas. At Matanao National High School in Davao Del Sur, a school building sustained heavy structural damage, with portions of the structure visibly leaning after the tremor.

School officials reported that students and teachers were safe as they were outside the building for the morning flag ceremony when the earthquake struck.

In General Santos City, authorities also reported damage to several structures as assessment teams continued inspections throughout the city.

The strong shaking prompted evacuations in schools, government offices, malls, hospitals, and other establishments across affected areas.

Local disaster response offices and engineering teams continue to assess roads, bridges, schools, and public facilities to determine full extent damage caused by the earthquake.

As of posting time, authorities had not released official reports on casualties. PHILVOCS advised the public to remain alert for possible aftershocks to follow evacuation and safety advisories issued by local officials