Powerful Earthquake Causes Widespread Damage in General Santos City
Various establishments in General Santos City were damaged and collapsed due to a powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck Mindanao.
On the morning of June 8, 2026, General Santos City experienced massivet damage after a powerful earthquake, leaving residents shaken and prompting authorities to launch immediate inspections across the city.
The earthquake, which was initially reported as magnitude 7.0, struck at around 7:37 a.m. According to updated information from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the offshore earthquake was later upgraded to magnitude 7.8. The quake occurred at a depth of 33 kilometers and was located near Maasim, Sarangani.
Several buildings and establishments in General Santos City sustained damage due to the strong shaking. One of the affected structures was a shopping mall where visible damage was reported.
Building officials have not yet allowed people to enter the facility while safety assessments are ongoing. Some vehicle owners are still waiting for clearance so they can retrieve their cars parked inside the mall.
Reports also indicated that a number of individuals received first aid after the incident. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of major casualties as emergency responders quickly attended to those affected.
Aside from structural damage, the earthquake also caused a widespread power outage that affected many parts of the city. Several businesses temporarily closed as owners checked their establishments for possible damage.
Schools and government offices were also ordered closed to ensure public safety while inspections were being conducted.
The strong earthquake was felt in several neighboring provinces and cities, including parts of Zamboanga, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro, Leyte, and Southern Leyte. Residents across these areas reported varying levels of shaking.
Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage in General Santos City and nearby communities.
Meanwhile, residents have been advised to remain cautious, stay informed through official announcements, and prepare for possible aftershocks that may follow in the coming days as recovery efforts continue.
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