Phivolcs: Tsunami warning out in offshore M7.8 earthquake in Sarangani
Follow our live coverage of the June 8 Mindanao earthquake here.
[Updated June 8, 2026, 9:18 a.m.]
MANILA, Philippines — State seismologists on Monday issued a tsunami warning with wave height of more than one meter above the normal tides after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the shores of Saragani province.
The tsunami warning came after an earthquake occurred at 7:37 a.m. with a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Phivolcs previously said it was magnitude 7.0 until it was later upgraded to 7.8.
The first tsunami waves in nine provinces are forecast to arrive between 7:37 a.m. to 9:37 a.m. and may “continue for hours.”
READ: Marcos orders swift response after magnitude 7.8 Sarangani earthquake
“Based on the local tsunami scenario database, it is expected to experience wave heights of more than one meter above the normal tides and may be higher on enclosed bays and straits,” the Phivolcs said in its Tsunami Information No. 1.
The people in the coastal areas of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi-tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato are “STRONGLY ADVISED TO IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE” to higher grounds or move farther inland.
Meanwhile, Phivolcs said owners of boats in harbors, estuaries or shallow coastal waters should secure their boats and move away from the waterfront, while the agency said boats already at sea during this period should stay off shore until further advised.
Sitting on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” where tectonic plates often collide, the Philippines experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Internet, electricity, and water services in Koronadal City were disrupted and other areas in Mindanao after Monday’s tremor.
The strong quake, which lasted for about 30 seconds, was felt across Koronadal City, the regional center of Soccsksargen (Region 12) and the capital of South Cotabato.
An aftershock was recorded at 7:49 a.m. and was also felt in nearby areas. Authorities were assessing possible damage and the extent of service disruptions as of posting time. INQ
This is a developing story. /mr
