Philippines earthquake leaves at least 35 dead as travel disruption and tsunami alerts test emergency response

A powerful earthquake that struck the southern Philippines today (Monday 8 June) has killed at least 35 people, injured more than 150 others, and disrupted transport infrastructure, prompting emergency response measures and tsunami warnings across parts of the Asia-Pacific region.

Almost two dozen people have been reported as missing, and 10,000 residents have been pre-emptively evacuated, authorities have confirmed. 

The magnitude-7.8 earthquake occurred off the coast of Mindanao, near General Santos City, one of the region's main commercial and transport hubs.

Authorities reported widespread structural damage, including collapsed commercial buildings, while emergency teams were deployed to conduct search and rescue operations.

Tsunami warnings were issued in the Philippines, Indonesia, and other parts of the region following the quake, although many alerts were later downgraded or lifted after wave activity was assessed.

Authorities nevertheless urged coastal residents and visitors to move to higher ground as a precaution.

The disaster also affected transport operations. General Santos International Airport temporarily suspended activities while safety inspections were carried out, adding to disruption for domestic and international travellers.

Local authorities reported damage to dozens of buildings and warned residents against re-entering compromised structures because of the risk of aftershocks. More than 130 aftershocks were recorded in the hours following the initial quake.

Local authorities reported damage to dozens of buildings and warned residents against re-entering compromised structures because of the risk of aftershocks. More than 130 aftershocks were recorded in the hours following the initial quake.

The incident highlighted the challenges posed by large-scale natural catastrophes in popular tourist and business travel destinations, with industry experts warning that events of this scale can quickly escalate into complex travel insurance and assistance scenarios.

Sarah Rodrigues, a travel expert working with Avanti Travel Insurance, told ITIJ that earthquakes and tsunamis can have a significant impact on holiday plans and urged travellers to act quickly if disruption occurs.

“If you’re due to travel and find your trip will be affected by a natural disaster, there are steps you can take to try to change your plans or to get a refund,” she said.

She advised passengers to first contact their holiday provider to explore options such as rescheduling, alternative arrangements, or refunds.

“If your holiday provider can’t help you reschedule or refund your costs, you should then contact your bank. You may be able to recoup your costs through a ‘chargeback claim’ if you paid using a credit card,” she commented.

Rodrigues added that travel insurance may also provide recourse for disruption, but stressed the importance of checking policy wording carefully before cancelling.

She added: “You will also need to check the ‘Travel Delay’ section immediately in your policy wording to ensure a natural disaster is covered”.

For those already abroad, she noted that assistance from travel providers remains key.

“If you’re already on holiday and your return journey is delayed or cancelled, speak with your holiday provider for alternative options. In this instance, your travel insurance policy should automatically extend to cover the extra time you need to get home, although you should always confirm this with your insurer,” she said.

She also advised travellers to coordinate closely with accommodation providers if their stay is affected, as alternative lodging or repatriation may be required.

“Lastly, if your travel arrangements change, be sure to update your travel insurance policy. Additionally, be aware that travelling against FCDO advice may invalidate your cover, so keep up to date with the latest announcements,” she added.

The Philippines lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world's most seismically active regions, and regularly experiences earthquakes and volcanic activity.

As authorities continued damage assessments across Mindanao, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr directed government agencies to support affected communities and monitor ongoing risks.