World

Philippines lifts tsunami alert after 7.8 earthquake

Authorities confirm reduced risk despite casualties and injuries following powerful quake

By Emirates247 Published: 2026-06-08T12:30:00+04:00 1 min read

This image made from video provided by DepEd Mahayahay Elementary School shows school children reacting as a canopy roof, rear, collapsed, caused by a powerful earthquake Monday, June 8, 2026, in Malita, Davao Occidental Province, Philippines. AP

Manila: The Philippines’ seismology agency, Phivolcs, has lifted the tsunami alert for southern provinces following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake, stating that the risk has now subsided.

In an advisory, Phivolcs said that after an extended two-hour observation period, only minor sea level disturbances were detected. The agency noted that these wave heights were too small to cause damage.

The update comes as authorities confirmed that at least 15 people were killed and 129 injured in the powerful earthquake, according to the Philippine Office of Civil Defence.

An abandoned building that collapsed after an earthquake struck in Matanao, Davao del Sur province, Philippines on Monday June 8, 2026. AP

This image from a video shows dust and debris outside a building after a powerful earthquake in General Santos city on the island of Mindanao, Philippines Monday, June 8, 2026. AP

Vehicles damaged by debris after powerful earthquake in the Mindanao region, Philippines Monday, June 8, 2026. AP

Local Civil Defence Office Director Rodrigo Sosmeña said that 12 of the fatalities were reported in the Soccsksargen region, which includes South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City.

He added that at least 129 people sustained injuries in the affected areas.

Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and monitor the situation following the quake.

Compiled from agencies