MANILA — A strong 7.8-magnitude offshore earthquake struck near Mindanao on Monday (June 8), killing at least one person, injuring several others, and damaging multiple buildings, police confirmed.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the epicenter was located roughly 24 kilometers west of Sarangani province. The tremor prompted tsunami warnings, with authorities in the Philippines and Indonesia advising coastal residents to evacuate to higher ground.
General Santos City police reported initial casualties. “There is one confirmed fatality and four injured as of this time. This is still a developing report,” said Master Sergeant Robert Dagon.
He said several buildings had collapsed, while many others sustained damage, though officials were still gathering full details as emergency response efforts continued.
Videos circulating online and verified by AFP showed widespread damage in General Santos City, including the partial collapse of a commercial building with a fast-food outlet and a school structure that gave way during the quake. Witnesses were heard reacting in alarm as the buildings fell.
