MINDANAO — The death toll from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Sarangani on Monday has climbed to 37, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
As of Tuesday morning, 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.
Authorities also reported 456 injured individuals and four persons still missing. The earthquake affected 17,689 families, or more than 77,000 people, across Mindanao.
Search, rescue, and retrieval operations remain focused on General Santos City and Sarangani, the areas hardest hit by the disaster. General Santos City has been placed under a state of calamity.
Initial assessments showed damage to nine bridges, 19 roads, and 1,889 houses, with around 1,500 homes completely destroyed. Infrastructure losses are estimated to exceed ₱900 million.
The earthquake also damaged General Santos International Airport, resulting in flight cancellations and rerouting. However, military, government, and humanitarian flights have been allowed to use the airport to support ongoing relief operations.
Many residents continue to stay in open areas due to aftershocks and concerns over structural safety, while the government considers establishing temporary shelters and tent cities for displaced families. Classes in several affected areas were also suspended on Tuesday. #
SOURCE: GMA News
