MANILA — The death toll from the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Sarangani on Monday has climbed to 37, while more than 1,000 aftershocks have continued to rattle parts of Mindanao, prompting authorities to sustain emergency response and relief operations across affected areas.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported Tuesday that 37 fatalities have so far been recorded following the devastating quake, with most of the deaths occurring in the hardest-hit areas of Region 12 and the Davao Region.
OCD deputy spokesperson Diego Agustin Mariano said the latest figures, as of 6 a.m. Tuesday, include 33 reported deaths in Region 12 or SOCCSKSARGEN and four in Region 11 or the Davao Region.
“These are still for validation,” Mariano told reporters.
Authorities said 18 of the reported fatalities were recorded in Sarangani province, while 12 were reported in General Santos City. Three additional deaths were reported in South Cotabato.
The powerful earthquake struck at 7:37 a.m. Monday in the Celebes Sea near Sarangani, triggering widespread damage and disruption across several areas in southern Mindanao.
Earlier reports indicated that at least 144 people were injured, while four individuals remain missing.
Initial assessments showed that General Santos City sustained some of the most significant impacts from the earthquake, although a comprehensive damage report has yet to be released by the OCD.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said seismic activity remains intense in the affected region, reporting a total of 1,055 aftershocks as of 7 a.m. Tuesday. The aftershocks ranged in magnitude from 1.3 to 6.7.
Government agencies continue to coordinate relief, rescue, and recovery operations in affected communities.
The OCD said the national government is working closely with local government units in Sarangani and neighboring provinces to provide immediate assistance to residents affected by the disaster.
Among the emergency measures being implemented is the deployment of generators and fuel supplies to hospitals to ensure uninterrupted medical services in quake-hit areas.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and have urged residents to remain vigilant and prepared for possible strong aftershocks as relief and recovery efforts continue./PN
