Mindanao earthquake death toll climbs to 37; 479 injured – NDRRMC
MANILA, Philippines — The death toll from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off Maasim, Sarangani in Mindanao on Monday morning has risen to 37, while 479 people have so far been reported injured and four others remain missing, authorities reported on Tuesday.
According to the latest data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 33 deaths, 456 injuries, and four missing persons were recorded in the Soccsksargen region while the Davao region logged four deaths and 23 injuries.
The earthquake, one of the strongest to hit Mindanao in recent years, struck off Maasim, Sarangani at 7:37 a.m. on Monday, June 8.
The tremor was felt across several parts of Mindanao, with Intensity I to VIII reported in Regions IX, X, XI, XII, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Caraga, and Eastern Visayas.
A tsunami warning was issued shortly after the quake, prompting evacuations in coastal communities.
The warning was later lifted after authorities monitored sea-level conditions.
88,000 affected
Across Regions IX, XI, XII, and BARMM, “A total of 19,529 families or 88,000 persons were affected,” the NDRRMC said in its situational report.
Of the affected population, 5,343 families or 19,635 persons are staying in 39 evacuation centers, while 264 families or 1,055 individuals were being assisted outside evacuation facilities.
Initial damage assessments showed that at least 127 facilities sustained damage, with estimated losses reaching P15 million.
Ten houses were also reported damaged in Regions IX, XI and BARMM.
Classes were suspended in 182 cities and municipalities, while work was suspended in 123 local government units as authorities continued inspections of public and private structures.
Meanwhile, General Santos City International Airport remained closed to commercial flights as of Tuesday morning.
Authorities said validation of damage reports and casualty figures remains ongoing as response teams continue to assess the full impact of the earthquake.
HELP MINDANAO EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS
The Inquirer Foundation is calling for support for communities devastated by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao.
In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, the foundation is amplifying appeals for food, clean water and other critical assistance for affected families.
Donors may send contributions directly to the Philippine Red Cross through its official transfer channels, the complete list is available on the PRC’s Facebook page.
The Philippine Red Cross has activated its emergency fund campaign and deployed teams on the ground to provide medical services, distribute relief goods and extend psychosocial support to affected families.
