Mindanao earthquake death toll climbs to 47; dozens still missing

THE death toll from a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the southern Philippines earlier this week has risen to 47 people, with dozens more still missing, the disaster agency reported on Thursday.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in its situational report dated June 11, showed that at least 31 people remain missing and 688 others were injured following the tectonic quake that occurred on Monday near Maasim, Sarangani.

Most of the fatalities were recorded in the Soccsksargen Region where 35 people died, while 12 deaths were reported in the Davao Region.

According to the NDRRMC, rescue teams continue to search for survivors as officials warn that the casualty figures are still subject to ongoing validation.

The earthquake, which struck at a depth of 33 kilometers, triggered at least 37 earthquake-induced landslides and forced the temporary issuance of a tsunami warning by state seismologists.

In its latest bulletin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported more than 3,000 aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 1.2 to 6.4. Of these, 841 were plotted while 64 were felt.

The agency said the quake has affected approximately 346,449 people across 11 provinces.

More than 45,000 residents have been displaced, with many taking shelter in 32 evacuation centers, while others are being served in open spaces or staying with relatives, based on NDRRMC’s latest data.

It added that extensive damage to property has been reported, with 12,641 houses damaged, of which 2,289 were destroyed.

The Office of the Civil Defense said the infrastructure damage caused by the powerful earthquake was estimated at P666.5 million.

A state of calamity has been declared in eight cities and municipalities to expedite relief efforts.

The government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other agencies, has so far provided approximately P26.3 million in assistance, including the distribution of more than 20,000 family food packs to the hardest-hit regions.

On Thursday, authorities confirmed that while many roads and bridges have been reopened, eight road sections and two bridges remain impassable.

Power has also been restored in most areas, though some municipalities are still experiencing interruptions as technicians work to repair damaged lines.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III on Thursday said that the House of Representatives will shoulder the medical expenses of all individuals injured in the recent Mindanao quake and push for funding support for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure in the affected areas.

In a statement, Mr. Dy led the delegation of congressmen to General Santos City and Sarangani Province to personally assess the damage caused by the earthquake, meet with local officials and agencies, and determine immediate and long-term responses for the affected communities.

He also said that the House will bear the cost of treating the injured in public and private hospitals, and provide additional assistance for the recovery of the affected areas.

“On behalf of the House of Representatives, we sincerely extend our sympathy. We are here to ensure that as we said, in all the hospitals that will be needed related to the earthquake, we will ensure that our countrymen inside the hospitals have zero balance,” Mr. Dy said in Filipino.

He added that the 2027 national budget will include the necessary funds for the rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure such as roads, bridges, hospitals, and airports.

According to Mr. Dy, the assessment conducted will serve as a basis for Congress to determine priority projects for the immediate recovery of affected communities.

The Senate earlier identified about P180 billion in funding for the reconstruction and conduct of relief efforts in Mindanao.

Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin T. Gatchalian also said the chamber is awaiting orders from the Executive for the conduct of a special session, should it be deemed necessary to enact a supplemental budget. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking and Pexcel John Bacon