Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake Rocks Mindanao on First Day of School Opening
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Mindanao on Monday, June 8, as millions of children were set to return to school for the opening of the academic year.
“We are continually monitoring the safety of children, their families, and all staff in the affected areas to ensure that everyone is accounted for. Many in Davao, Kidapawan, and Sultan Kudarat remain shaken and are experiencing dizziness following the earthquake and aftershocks, given our proximity to General Santos. We continue to prioritize the safety of children and staff while closely monitoring the situation on the ground,” said Elizabeth Delgado, World Vision Operations Manager for Mindanao.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 35 kilometers.
“I felt afraid at that time. We were in the middle of our flag-raising ceremony when the earthquake happened. Even though we were scared, we tried to cope by laughing. Some of our classmates were crying, and one even fainted. But the teachers helped us stay safe—they instructed us to do ‘duck, cover, and hold,’” said Kurt, 16, a World Vision-assisted child from Kidapawan City.
“When the shaking stopped, including the aftershocks, the teachers sent us home. It felt like the ground was swaying, making it difficult for us to even stand,” he added.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the earthquake’s epicenter was located 32 kilometers southwest of Maasim, Sarangani. Strong tremors were felt across several provinces in Mindanao, including Sultan Kudarat, Davao, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Surigao del Norte.
The strong tremor also prompted a tsunami warning from PHIVOLCS, advising residents in coastal provinces—including Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato—to immediately evacuate to higher ground.
Arnann Jay Agosto, World Vision Field and Emergency Communications Officer, shared his firsthand experience during the earthquake.
“I suddenly woke up because of how strong the shaking was. I was sleeping in the living room, so I immediately woke my sibling, and we ran downstairs from the fourth floor. I left everything behind—my phone and my bag—and ran down barefoot. While running, I noticed falling debris, so my first instinct was to reach the safest area,” Agosto shared.
“There are still aftershocks, and there is currently no electricity. All work and school classes have been suspended,” he added.
“In disasters of this magnitude, children are often the most vulnerable. The psychological impact of sudden evacuations, combined with the risk of severe aftershocks, poses an immediate threat to their well-being. World Vision Philippines is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local government units to assess the immediate needs of affected families. We stand ready to respond with emergency relief and child protection interventions,” said World Vision National Director Dr. Herbert Carpio.
The earthquake occurred as the Philippines prepared to welcome an estimated 26 to 28 million students for the opening of classes in both public and private schools.
At the same time, Mindanao is experiencing rainy conditions, as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recently announced the onset of the wet season due to the southwest monsoon.
Mindanao was previously affected by a series of earthquakes in October, during which World Vision provided education and psychosocial support to affected children and families.
