Mindanao, which is the second-largest island in the Philippines, was hit by a 7.0 magnitued earthquake this morning
An earthquake in the Philippines has killed at least 12 people and injured 200. The Foreign Office has issued urgent new travel advice this morning after a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Mindanao in the Philippines.
Mindanao, which is the country’s second-largest island and the seventh-most populous island in the world, was hit by the quake on Monday, June 8. The tremors were felt in Davao City shortly before 7.40am local time.
A total of 12 people are now reported to have died, with at least 200 injured as a result of the disaster. The earthquake was initially estimated at a magnitude of 8.2, but the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has since downgraded it to 7.0.
Following the tremor, possible tsunami alerts have been issued for a number of regions, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Palau, Yap, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, and the west coast of the United States, reports The Mirror.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has now warned British nationals who are scheduled to travel to the area. The official update from the FCDO states: “On 8 June 2026, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck southern Mindanao. Aftershocks are expected, and there may be damage to buildings and infrastructure in affected areas. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has issued a tsunami threat and advised residents and visitors in affected coastal areas to evacuate to higher ground.
If you are in the affected area:
- Follow the advice of local authorities and emergency services
- Move to higher ground if you are in coastal areas
- Be aware of the risk of aftershocks
- Avoid damaged buildings and infrastructure
- Monitor local media and official sources for updates.
If you are planning to travel to Mindanao:
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
President of the Republic of the Philippines Bongbong Marcos has issued a statement following the earthquake, it reads: “A strong earthquake has struck off the coast of Sarangani this morning, and a tsunami warning is now in effect across several coastal provinces in Mindanao.
“I have directed all relevant government agencies to act immediately. The Office of Civil Defense and the NDRRMC are now coordinating disaster response and monitoring across all affected areas. The DSWD has been directed to pre-position relief goods and ensure that evacuation centers are ready and operational.
“The DPWH is on standby to assess damage to roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure, and to clear routes needed for rescue and relief operations. I am also ordering the suspension of classes in all levels across affected areas in Mindanao until further notice. The safety of our children comes first. DepEd will coordinate with local government units on this.
“To our kababayans in the affected provinces, please heed the tsunami warning. Move to higher ground now. Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything left behind. The national government is moving and we will not leave Mindanao behind. I am in constant communication with our regional offices and local chief executives on the ground. Updates will be provided as the situation develops.”
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