Philippines Earthquake Death Toll Rises To 47, Over 31 Still Missing

Philippine disaster management officials have confirmed that a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck near Mindanao on Monday caused at least 47 deaths, left 31 people unaccounted for, and injured 688 others.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) stated that the disaster affected more than 3,46,000 people living in over 75,000 households.

The earthquake also forced tens of thousands of residents to seek temporary shelter after widespread destruction to homes and communities.

Officials recorded damage to more than 12,600 houses, and more than 45,000 residents had to leave affected areas.

The strong tremor also triggered numerous secondary incidents, including landslides in several locations.

Transport and utility networks experienced major disruptions as the earthquake damaged roads, bridges, airport facilities, and seaports. Electricity services were interrupted across dozens of cities and municipalities.

The disaster also adversely affected farming, livestock production, and fisheries, adding economic challenges to the humanitarian crisis.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the earthquake originated at a depth of 33 kilometres, with its epicentre located off the coast near Maasim in Sarangani province.

Emergency officials attributed most fatalities to collapsing buildings, landslides, and falling debris.

Search-and-rescue personnel remain deployed in several affected communities to locate missing individuals and assist survivors.

One of the most serious incidents occurred in General Santos City, where a two-storey school structure collapsed during the earthquake. Authorities are examining reports that people remain trapped inside the building.

The quake struck shortly after schools reopened nationwide following the summer holiday.

Video footage from educational institutions showed classrooms shaking violently as students and teachers rushed to evacuate or sought protection indoors.

Education authorities reported that 8,642 schools across six regions experienced varying levels of impact, creating further challenges for communities already dealing with the aftermath of the disaster.

Relief agencies and government departments continue to coordinate assistance as recovery operations progress across the affected regions.

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