Terrified Philippine school kids cry out in fear as deadly 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocks region
New York Post
Last updated: June 9, 2026
A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines on the first day of school, causing widespread panic and damage. While horrifying footage showed elementary school students in terror as their outdoor classes were disrupted by violent jolts and a collapsing roof, miraculously no children were injured.
- The earthquake, the strongest this year in the Philippines, was centered at sea off Mindanao and resulted in at least 32 deaths and over 200 injuries.
- A small 3-foot tsunami was triggered, causing damage in at least one coastal village and affecting areas in Indonesia, Palau, and Japan.
- A deadly landslide in Sarangani province claimed the lives of 13 villagers.
- At DepEd Mahayahay Elementary School, over 100 students were celebrating their first day outside when the quake hit, leading to a roof collapse, though only a motorcycle was damaged and all students were unharmed.
- Volcanology experts warned residents about potential aftershocks and advised caution before returning to damaged structures.
