Screenshot of the U.S. Geological Survey website showing the location of a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that shook the Philippines on Monday, June 8, 2026. (Source: USGS)
The southern Philippines was rocked Monday morning by a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake that also triggered concerns about a possible tsunami in the region.
What we know:
The earthquake struck around 7:37 a.m. and shook the Mindanao region of the country. The U.S. Geological Survey reported it was centered off the coast of the archipelago nation, a little more than 16 miles southwest of Kablalan, and was about 22 miles deep.
At least three more quakes with a 6.0 magnitude or higher have been recorded among the multiple aftershocks that have struck since.
What we don't know:
At this time, there has been no information on injuries or potential damage.
What's next:
The earthquake led the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center to caution that 10-foot tsunami waves were possible on some coasts of the Philippines, while waves up to three feet high may crash into Indonesia and Malaysia.
"We advise people to evacuate to higher grounds or go further inland," Teresito Bacolcol, the head of the Philippine institute, warned people living in coastal areas.
Smaller waves could be seen in Taiwan, Japan, Guam, Papaua New Guinea, and other island nations. There was no risk for Hawaii, the agency said.
Big picture view:
Sitting on the "Ring of Fire," the arc of seismic faults around the Pacific Ocean, the Philippines is one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries and frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Additionally, it is hit by approximately 20 typhoons and tropical storms a year.
The Source: Information for this article was taken from the U.S. Geological Survey and The Associated Press. This story was reported from Orlando.