The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) is using satellite images taken at night to help spot areas affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit Mindanao on June 8, 2026.
By comparing photos of the region taken at 1:30 a.m. on June 8 and 1:12 a.m. on June 9, PhilSA noticed places where lights became dimmer or disappeared. These changes often point to power outages, damaged infrastructure, or people leaving affected areas.
In General Santos City, areas like Labangal, Apopong, San Isidro, City Heights, and coastal barangays Siguel and Tambler showed less nighttime light. The city has about 722,059 residents based on 2024 Philippine Statistics Authority data.
In nearby areas, similar drops in light were seen in Maasim (67,907 residents) and Glan (117,017 residents) in Sarangani, and Polomolok (176,671 residents) in South Cotabato.
PhilSA said this is only an early look at possible damage. The agency is still improving its analysis as more satellite data becomes available.
The information is being shared to help the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) quickly identify where help may be needed most.