On June 8, 2026, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of General Santos City in Mindanao, coinciding with the beginning of the new school year.
Reports of significant infrastructure damage have emerged, raising concerns about safety as students return to classes.
Geological Factors Behind the Quake
Mindanao is geographically vulnerable, surrounded by three active subduction trenches: the Cotabato, Philippine, and Sulu Trenches.
It is likely the northern section of the Sangihe Trench and/or the southern segment of the Cotabato Trench that ruptured and generated the earthquake.
Mario A. Aurelio, PhD, National Institute of Geological Sciences-University of the Philippines
Initial reports varied in magnitude, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) originally estimating 7.0, while global agencies recorded much higher magnitudes.
The depth of the quake was also revised from an initial estimate of 10 kilometers to approximately 40 kilometers, highlighting the complexity of earthquake measurements.
The energy released during a magnitude 7.8 earthquake is approximately 33 times more than that of a magnitude 7.0, emphasizing the potential for severe damage.