Strong Earthquake in Southern Philippines Kills 36; Taiwan Expresses Concern and Offers Assistance
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Mindanao in the southern Philippines, killing 36 people and injuring 167. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed condolences and offered assistance.
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- 📰 Published: June 9, 2026 at 12:56
- 🔍 Collected: June 9, 2026 at 13:07 (11 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 9, 2026 at 13:08 (0 min after Collected)
(Central News Agency, Manila, 9th, by reporter Lin Xingjian) A strong earthquake of magnitude 7.8 struck Mindanao in the southern Philippines yesterday, causing significant casualties and property damage. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines (TECO) today posted messages of concern and condolence from President Lai Ching-te and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on social media platforms, stating that Taiwan is willing to provide necessary assistance to support the reconstruction of the disaster area.
The epicenter of the strong earthquake was located off the coast of Maasim town in Sarangani province, at a depth of 33 kilometers. The latest disaster report released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) shows that 36 people have been killed, 167 injured, and 4 are missing. However, the NDRRMC emphasized that these figures are still subject to further verification.
The TECO today conveyed President Lai's heartfelt concern on social media, stating that Taiwan stands with the people of the Philippines, is willing to provide assistance, and wishes for the early recovery and reconstruction of the affected areas.
The TECO also reposted a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressing condolences for the severe damage caused by the strong earthquake, offering sympathy to the families of the deceased, the injured, and the affected people, while hoping for the early return to normalcy in the disaster area.
To demonstrate the spirit of mutual assistance among Taiwanese people and help disaster victims overcome the difficulties, the TECO is coordinating with relevant Philippine authorities on the donation of relief supplies.
The NDRRMC disaster report indicates that as of this morning, the strong earthquake had triggered 840 aftershocks, 19 of which were felt, with the largest aftershock reaching magnitude 6.7.
The report states that a total of 19,529 households, approximately 88,000 people, have been affected, with over 19,600 people being housed in 39 evacuation centers.
Following the earthquake, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a tsunami warning and measured a 1.48-meter tsunami wave in the coastal town of Kiamba near the epicenter. The warning was lifted on the afternoon of the 8th.
Furthermore, the earthquake triggered multiple landslides and infrastructure damage. Currently, 127 infrastructure facilities have been damaged, with estimated losses of approximately 15 million Philippine pesos (about NT$7.68 million). Twelve towns experienced power outages, and 182 cities, towns, and villages declared class suspensions.
Several videos circulating online show school buildings collapsing with a roar, and teachers using their bodies to protect frightened, crying elementary school students, deeply moving netizens. (Editor: Tang Shengyang) 1150609
The epicenter of the strong earthquake was located off the coast of Maasim town in Sarangani province, at a depth of 33 kilometers. The latest disaster report released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) shows that 36 people have been killed, 167 injured, and 4 are missing. However, the NDRRMC emphasized that these figures are still subject to further verification.
The TECO today conveyed President Lai's heartfelt concern on social media, stating that Taiwan stands with the people of the Philippines, is willing to provide assistance, and wishes for the early recovery and reconstruction of the affected areas.
The TECO also reposted a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressing condolences for the severe damage caused by the strong earthquake, offering sympathy to the families of the deceased, the injured, and the affected people, while hoping for the early return to normalcy in the disaster area.
To demonstrate the spirit of mutual assistance among Taiwanese people and help disaster victims overcome the difficulties, the TECO is coordinating with relevant Philippine authorities on the donation of relief supplies.
The NDRRMC disaster report indicates that as of this morning, the strong earthquake had triggered 840 aftershocks, 19 of which were felt, with the largest aftershock reaching magnitude 6.7.
The report states that a total of 19,529 households, approximately 88,000 people, have been affected, with over 19,600 people being housed in 39 evacuation centers.
Following the earthquake, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a tsunami warning and measured a 1.48-meter tsunami wave in the coastal town of Kiamba near the epicenter. The warning was lifted on the afternoon of the 8th.
Furthermore, the earthquake triggered multiple landslides and infrastructure damage. Currently, 127 infrastructure facilities have been damaged, with estimated losses of approximately 15 million Philippine pesos (about NT$7.68 million). Twelve towns experienced power outages, and 182 cities, towns, and villages declared class suspensions.
Several videos circulating online show school buildings collapsing with a roar, and teachers using their bodies to protect frightened, crying elementary school students, deeply moving netizens. (Editor: Tang Shengyang) 1150609
FAQ
What was the magnitude and damage of this earthquake?
Magnitude 7.8, depth 33km. 36 dead, 167 injured, 4 missing. Approximately 88,000 people affected.
What assistance did Taiwan offer?
President Lai and the MOFA expressed condolences and offered necessary assistance, including relief supplies.
Where was the epicenter?
Off the coast of Maasim town, Sarangani province, Mindanao, southern Philippines.