Philippine authorities confirm that the powerful earthquake causing numerous deaths last week has resulted in the seafloor rising by as much as 2 meters, pushing some coral reefs above the water.
On Sunday, 14 Jun 2026 GMT+7, the Philippine Department of Environment stated that the magnitude 7.8 earthquake, which claimed at least 61 lives last week, also caused the seafloor to rise by up to 2 meters. This uplift exposed coral reefs above the water and damaged marine life.
The Department of Environment reported that local residents first observed a geological phenomenon called "coastal uplift" within two days after the earthquake. This event caused some coastal areas in the Philippines to extend seaward by as much as 200 meters.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said in a statement that "movements along the Cotabato Trench have pushed parts of the coastlines in Sarangani and Davao Occidental provinces upward... causing previously submerged seafloor to emerge above water. Mapping indicates an uplift of about 2 meters."
The Cotabato Trench, located just 50 kilometers off the southern coast of Mindanao Island, is a geologically active area that experiences frequent seismic activity, including thousands of small aftershocks recorded in January.
The Department of Environment said inspection teams found that stretches of coastline, coral reefs, and seagrass beds have emerged above water due to this phenomenon.
An official interviewed by AFP said they have yet to determine the exact size of the affected area because the region requiring inspection is very large.
Photos released by the regional office of the Department of Environment show large coral reefs exposed above the water, with dead fish and other marine creatures lying on top.
The Department of Environment noted, "These exposed coral reefs and seagrass beds are beginning to die, along with the marine life that inhabits these areas, such as reef fish, eels, giant clams, and various shell species."
Follow international news:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:cna