Mindanao quake death toll climbs to 45

National

THE death toll from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao on Monday has climbed to 45 as of early morning Wednesday, June 10, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), as authorities continue search, rescue, and relief operations across affected areas.

In the latest NDRRMC report, the number of missing persons increased from 4 to 17, with all cases recorded in the Davao and Soccsksargen regions.

Meanwhile, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) spokesperson Supt. Anthony Arroyo reported that the number of fatalities may have already reached 53, pending validation. From the reported deaths, 43 were recorded in Soccsksargen and 10 in the Davao Region.

Authorities also reported 487 injured individuals, with a total of 149,372 people affected across Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Among those affected, around 32,464 individuals are currently staying in 57 evacuation centers established in various communities.

The NDRRMC said more than P4.8 million worth of food and non-food assistance has already been distributed to affected families so far.

Three days after the earthquake, which had its epicenter in Maasim, Sarangani, authorities have yet to release a comprehensive assessment of damage to infrastructure and properties.

The NDRRMC said that search and rescue operations will continue as disaster response teams work together to assist affected communities.

Among those assisting is the Philippine Army's 18-member Urban Search and Rescue Team, which has been deployed to help in search, rescue, and retrieval operations, particularly at a collapsed supermarket in Barangay Calumpang, General Santos City.

Rescue teams have also facilitated the air evacuation of four residents rescued from Balut Island in Davao Occidental.

The Philippine Army reported that around 253 personnel have been deployed to General Santos City and other quake-hit areas, while an additional 607 personnel remain on standby for possible deployment.

Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the Office of Civil Defense has designated the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as the lead agency for search and rescue operations.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered inspections of buildings, infrastructure, and residential houses across southern Mindanao, while the Philippine National Police (PNP) has directed its field commanders to assist communities isolated by the

disaster.

Authorities said search, rescue, and relief operations will continue as efforts intensify to locate missing persons. (Jhenevive Etang, PIT Communication Intern)