Early reports indicate that at least five individuals have died due to a powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, which struck the southern island of Mindanao on the morning of June 8. The earthquake’s impact has prompted local authorities to launch an immediate verification process regarding the full extent of casualties and damage caused. Agripino Dacera, the disaster management chief in General Santos City, confirmed that assessments are ongoing to identify further fatalities and infrastructure damage.

Government Response and Coordination Efforts

Following the earthquake, Secretary Rex Gatchalian from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has ordered local government units to coordinate promptly for disaster relief. According to reports, over 1.1 million family food packs are ready for distribution to assist affected families and individuals across Mindanao. The DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) has confirmed that as of June 2, 4.7 million food packs have been strategically placed nationwide to facilitate immediate assistance during disasters.

Gatchalian further highlighted that the Quick Response Teams (QRTs) of DSWD field offices are activated and standing by. They are working in conjunction with local government units to ensure resource allocation is optimised for efficient relief efforts. He emphasised that the DSWD is well-prepared to offer immediate support to families impacted by this catastrophe. Social workers have been deployed to designated evacuation centres to collaborate with local teams in addressing urgent needs.

Additionally, Gatchalian has instructed relevant field offices to mobilise mobile command centres, kitchens, and other essential resources to assist in the ongoing relief efforts.

Evacuation Orders and Tsunami Warnings Issued

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos announced on Monday that multiple emergency agencies, including the Office of Civil Defence and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, have been activated to respond to the situation. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for residents in nine provinces, including Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi-Tawi, and Sulu, advising them to seek higher ground or move further inland to ensure their safety.

In addition to the Philippines, evacuation notices have also been issued in parts of northern Sulawesi, northern Gorontalo province, and the Sangihe Islands in Indonesia, with citizens encouraged to move to safer areas. Officials in these regions have stressed the importance of taking these warnings seriously given the potential for hazardous waves.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre, based in the United States, has projected that tsunami waves could reach heights of up to 3 metres (9.8 feet) along the Philippine coast, while waves of approximately 1 metre (3.3 feet) may impact certain areas in Indonesia and Malaysia. The first waves are anticipated to reach the Philippines and parts of Indonesia by 10 am local time, followed by southern Japan and Taiwan around 11 am and Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands shortly thereafter.

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