A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Mahayahay Elementary School in Malita, Davao Occidental during a morning flag ceremony, sending shockwaves of fear through students, teachers, and staff. The tremor, which occurred without warning, disrupted the solemn event and forced hundreds of children to rush for safety.
Witnesses reported that the ground shook violently, causing panic among those gathered in the schoolyard. Students screamed and scattered, while teachers tried to maintain order and guide them toward open spaces. The sudden quake lasted for several seconds but was strong enough to rattle buildings, topple chairs, and crack walls in nearby classrooms.
EARTHQUAKE DURING FLAG CEREMONY
— Whale | Decentra???? (@whale_decentra) June 8, 2026
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake shook Mahayahay Elementary School in Malita, Davao Occidental while a flag ceremony was being conducted.#Earthquake #Philippines ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/WDfDeArEKC
Authorities confirmed that the epicenter was located near Malita, a coastal municipality in Davao Occidental. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) classified the quake as tectonic in origin, warning of possible aftershocks in the coming hours and days. Disaster response teams were immediately deployed to assess structural damage and ensure the safety of residents.
A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Mahayahay Elementary School in Malita, Davao Occidental during a morning flag ceremony, sending shockwaves of fear through students, teachers, and staff. The tremor, which occurred without warning, disrupted the solemn event and forced hundreds of children to rush for safety. Witnesses reported that the ground shook violently, causing panic among those gathered in the schoolyard. Students screamed and scattered, while teachers tried to maintain order and guide them toward open spaces. The sudden quake lasted for several seconds but was strong enough to rattle buildings, topple chairs, and crack walls in nearby classrooms. Authorities confirmed that the epicenter was located near Malita, a coastal municipality in Davao Occidental. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) classified the quake as tectonic in origin, warning of possible aftershocks in the coming hours and days. Disaster response teams were immediately deployed to assess structural damage and ensure the safety of residents. Initial reports indicated no fatalities at the school, though several students sustained minor injuries while rushing to safety. Parents quickly arrived at the campus, anxious to reunite with their children. Local officials praised the school’s preparedness, noting that earthquake drills conducted earlier this year helped minimize casualties and guided students toward safer zones. The quake was felt across neighboring provinces, including Davao City and Sarangani, where residents reported swaying buildings and temporary power outages. Authorities urged communities to remain vigilant, avoid damaged structures, and prepare emergency kits as aftershocks could still pose risks. This incident underscores the vulnerability of schools and public institutions in earthquake-prone regions of the Philippines. While Mahayahay Elementary School escaped with limited damage, the event serves as a reminder of the importance of
Initial reports indicated no fatalities at the school, though several students sustained minor injuries while rushing to safety. Parents quickly arrived at the campus, anxious to reunite with their children. Local officials praised the school’s preparedness, noting that earthquake drills conducted earlier this year helped minimize casualties and guided students toward safer zones.
The quake was felt across neighboring provinces, including Davao City and Sarangani, where residents reported swaying buildings and temporary power outages. Authorities urged communities to remain vigilant, avoid damaged structures, and prepare emergency kits as aftershocks could still pose risks.
This incident underscores the vulnerability of schools and public institutions in earthquake-prone regions of the Philippines. While Mahayahay Elementary School escaped with limited damage, the event serves as a reminder of the importance of
