A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake has struck the southern Philippines, causing buildings to collapse and prompting widespread terror. The seismic event, which occurred near Mindanao, has led to the issuance of tsunami warnings across several regions.
Intense Shaking and Structural Damage Reported
The earthquake was felt just before 7:40 AM local time on Monday, June 8, 2026, in Davao City, with residents describing intense shaking. In response to the powerful tremors, individuals have been seen evacuating buildings as a precautionary measure.
Videos circulating on social media capture scenes of devastation, with several structures seen crumbling. One particularly alarming video shows the Plaza building, which houses LOVE Radio Gensan and DZRH News FM, collapsing dramatically in Sarangani. The footage is accompanied by terrified screams from bystanders on the street, as a thick cloud of dust billows into the air.
Tsunami Warnings Issued and Later Cancelled for Australia
Following the earthquake, tsunami warnings were put in place for the Philippines, the west coast of the United States, Indonesia, Palau, Yap, Taiwan, and Papua New Guinea. These warnings were issued by the Philippines Government, as relayed through the US Tsunami Warning System.
Australian Authorities Withdraw Warning
Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has since withdrawn its tsunami watch warning for the nation’s coastline and its territories. The cancellation was announced by the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC) at 10:38 AM AEST.
A statement from the BoM detailed that an undersea earthquake of magnitude 7.8 occurred at 9:37 AM AEST on Monday, June 8, 2026, in proximity to Mindanao, Philippines. The statement confirmed that no tsunami waves posing a threat to the Australian mainland, islands, or territories had been observed. Consequently, the tsunami watch for Australia has been cancelled, with further updates to be provided only if the situation changes.
