Harrowing footage of buildings crumbling and residents screaming in panic has been circulating on social media after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines. The Philippine government, via the US Tsunami Warning System, issued a tsunami warning for the country following the devastating tremor near Mindanao.
Earthquake Details
The earthquake, recorded at a magnitude of 7.8, was felt in Davao City at just before 7:40 a.m. local time on Monday, June 8, 2026. Residents reported violent shaking, with many evacuating buildings as a precautionary measure.
Tsunami Warnings Across Territories
Tsunami warnings were declared across several territories, including:
- The Philippines
- The west coast of the United States
- Indonesia
- Palau
- Yap
- Taiwan
- Papua New Guinea
Clips showing buildings collapsing have been widely shared on social media platforms.
Australia Lifts Tsunami Watch
Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) later lifted its tsunami watch warning for the country's coastline and overseas territories. The cancellation was confirmed by the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC) at 10:38 a.m. AEST.
Statement from BoM: "An undersea earthquake of magnitude 7.8 occurred at 9:37 a.m. AEST on Monday, June 8, 2026, near Mindanao, Philippines. No tsunami waves have been observed that pose a threat to the Australian mainland, islands, or territories. The tsunami watch for Australia is cancelled. No further updates will be issued unless the situation changes."
Collapse of Plaza Building
In one disturbing clip, the Plaza building, home to LOVE Radio Gensan and DZRH News FM, can be seen collapsing dramatically in the wake of the earthquake that struck Sarangani. Terrified screams from bystanders just meters away ring out as a massive cloud of dust billows into the air.
