Magnitude-7.8 earthquake off Mindanao kills at least 35, triggers tsunami alerts across region

The quake struck at 07:37 local time on Monday (23:37 GMT Sunday), triggering tsunami alerts in the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, and Australia. The warnings were later lifted or downgraded within hours.

According to the Philippines Office of Civil Defense, 31 deaths were recorded in the Soccsksargen region, while four others were confirmed in Davao. Authorities also reported at least 134 injuries and the displacement of around 10,000 families.

Mindanao, the country’s second-largest island, is home to roughly 26 million people. Videos shared on social media showed widespread damage, including collapsing buildings and landslides, with one clip showing a Jollibee fast-food outlet reduced to rubble.

Officials initially reported a slightly lower death toll of 32, while 12 people were listed as missing. Disaster authorities said casualty figures are still being verified and may change as assessments continue.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said government agencies were coordinating emergency response operations and pledged support for affected communities. He also ordered the suspension of classes in impacted areas as the quake coincided with the start of the school year.

In some areas, students were seen evacuating as tremors shook school grounds, while structures such as temporary shelters were damaged or collapsed. Despite the destruction, local reports indicated no injuries in some schools.

The earthquake was followed by more than 130 aftershocks, ranging from magnitude 1.3 to 6.7. A separate magnitude-5.7 tremor was also recorded later near Balut Island.

The Philippines lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a seismically active zone where earthquakes and volcanic activity are frequent.

Following the quake, tsunami warnings were issued across the region. Japan reported small tsunami waves, including around 20 centimetres in the Ogasawara Islands, while Indonesia, Palau, and parts of the Philippines also recorded wave activity ranging from a few centimetres to 1.4 metres.

Authorities across affected countries continue to monitor coastal regions for further risks as aftershocks persist.