37 Killed, Hundreds Injured in Powerful Mindanao Earthquake
MANILA — The death toll from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Sarangani has risen to 37, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported Tuesday as emergency responders continued search and rescue efforts in the hardest-hit areas of Mindanao.
OCD Deputy Spokesperson Diego Mariano said 33 fatalities were recorded in the Soccsksargen region, including 18 in Sarangani, 12 in General Santos City, and three in South Cotabato. Four additional deaths were reported in the Davao Region.
According to OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo, most of the victims were killed by falling debris during the powerful tremor. Authorities also reported 456 injured individuals and four persons still missing as of Tuesday morning.
The earthquake affected 17,689 families, equivalent to more than 77,000 residents across several Mindanao provinces.
Search, rescue, and retrieval teams remain concentrated in General Santos City and Sarangani, where damage and casualties were most severe. Additional responders have also been deployed to other affected areas.
Initial assessments showed significant damage to infrastructure, with nine bridges and 19 roads affected. The OCD estimated losses to public infrastructure at more than P900 million.
Authorities also recorded 1,889 damaged houses, around 1,500 of which were completely destroyed.
Despite the damage to transportation networks, no communities have been officially declared isolated. Relief supplies had been prepositioned in vulnerable areas, while generators and fuel were delivered to hospitals and other essential facilities affected by power interruptions.
Operations at General Santos International Airport were disrupted after sustaining earthquake damage, resulting in flight cancellations and rerouting. However, military, government, and humanitarian flights were permitted to use the airport to support relief and recovery efforts.
Thousands of residents remain outdoors amid persistent aftershocks and concerns over the safety of their homes. Government officials are considering the establishment of temporary shelters and tent cities to accommodate displaced families while assessments and rehabilitation activities continue.
Classes in several affected areas were also suspended Tuesday due to the earthquake’s impact.
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