Mindanao quake death toll climbs to 45 as aftershocks persist

The number of fatalities from the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Mindanao on Monday has reached at least 45, the state disaster agency said, as aftershocks continue to rattle the island.

In its June 9 situational report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported 487 people were injured while 17 remain missing, as of Tuesday, 6 p.m., with figures still subject to ongoing validation.

The earthquake also affected a total of 149,372 persons across four regions, including Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and Soccsksargen.

It added that approximately 32,464 people are currently taking shelter in 57 evacuation centers, while another 8,973 are staying with relatives or friends.

The tectonic earthquake, attributed to subduction along the Cotabato Trench, occurred on June 8 at 7:37 a.m. with its epicenter near Maasim, Sarangani, at a depth of 33 kilometers.

As of Wednesday, state seismologists recorded 1,738 aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 1.3 to 6.4.

Authorities have also suspended classes in 210 cities and municipalities, with the Education department deploying engineers to evaluate the safety of school structures before any resumption of learning is allowed.

The report also noted that 2,994 houses were damaged, of which 495 were totally destroyed.

Infrastructure damage is estimated at P15 million, with 238 structures reported damaged across the impacted areas.

Power was interrupted in 13 cities and municipalities, with restoration completed in seven of those areas as of Wednesday.

The earthquake also induced 10 reported landslides, primarily in Davao Occidental and Sarangani.

Search, rescue, and retrieval operations remain active, involving 3,773 personnel and 110 assets from the military, police, coast guard, and fire bureau.

Government agencies and local units have provided approximately P18.4 million in food and non-food assistance to affected families. Work stoppages remain in 124 affected localities as safety inspections proceed. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking