Devastating Earthquake Strikes Mindanao, Philippines: Casualties and Damage Reported

A devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Mindanao, Philippines, leading to at least 47 deaths, 31 missing persons, and hundreds injured. The quake has severely impacted over 75,000 households, causing significant structural damage and displacing thousands. Schools were affected just as they reopened after summer break, with reports of collapsed buildings and urgent evacuations. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has provided updates on the ongoing situation, highlighting the extensive damage to infrastructure and the urgent need for assistance.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 11, 2026, 14:13 IST

Severe Earthquake Hits Mindanao

Photo: @zerobarkthirty/X

Manila, June 11: A powerful earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale struck off the southern coast of Mindanao, Philippines, on Monday, resulting in at least 47 fatalities, 31 individuals reported missing, and 688 injuries, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Thursday.

The NDRRMC reported that over 75,300 households, affecting more than 346,000 individuals, have been impacted by the quake. Additionally, more than 45,000 residents have been displaced, with over 12,600 homes suffering damage. The earthquake also triggered 45 related incidents, primarily landslides, as reported by a news agency.

Furthermore, the earthquake disrupted operations across 45 road sections, eight bridges, one airport, and two seaports, significantly impacting agriculture, livestock, and fisheries. Power outages were reported in 48 cities and municipalities.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology indicated that the tectonic earthquake occurred at 7:37 a.m. local time, with a depth of 33 km and the epicenter located 32 km southwest of Maasim town in Sarangani province on Mindanao Island.

Earlier statements from Junie Castillo, spokesperson for the Office of Civil Defence, revealed that 10 casualties were reported in General Santos, a port city in South Cotabato with a population exceeding 700,000, with at least 12 individuals still unaccounted for.

Fatalities resulted from falling debris, building collapses, and landslides. The Philippine National Police previously reported at least 134 injuries.

A two-story school building in General Santos collapsed, trapping students inside, and authorities are currently verifying the details of this incident. Online footage has shown collapsed university and restaurant structures in the affected areas.

Several commercial establishments experienced structural damage, with signs falling and windows shattering. Local residents hurried outdoors to find safety.

This earthquake struck just as schools across the Philippines were reopening after the summer break. Surveillance videos from various schools captured the intense shaking during the quake, prompting teachers and students to either evacuate quickly or take cover under desks.

Reports indicate that the number of schools affected by the earthquake has reached 8,642 across 43 divisions in six regions, according to figures from the Department of Education.