Key facts
- A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Mindanao on June 8.
- At least 37 people have died, and nearly 500 have been injured.
- Over 32,000 residents have been displaced.
- More than 1,200 emergency personnel are involved in rescue operations.
- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national calamity.
The Philippines is continuing its rescue and relief efforts following a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the southern island of Mindanao on June 8. The disaster has claimed at least 37 lives, injured nearly 500 people, and forced over 32,000 residents to evacuate their homes.
More than 1,200 emergency personnel, bolstered by international teams from Japan and Australia, are actively searching damaged buildings for survivors. While the number of officially missing is low, authorities are meticulously inspecting precarious structures.
General Santos, a major city, was severely impacted, with collapsing buildings and debris causing numerous fatalities and widespread destruction to homes, schools, and hospitals. Initial reports indicate over 3,100 houses and 145 public buildings were affected.
The earthquake caused significant disruptions to transportation and essential services, including road blockages and power outages affecting approximately 280,000 households across six provinces. Temporary ferry routes have been established to deliver aid to isolated communities.
General Santos International Airport resumed partial operations for emergency flights on June 10, following numerous cancellations. Safety checks are ongoing for thousands of schools before classes can restart.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of national calamity to expedite relief operations. The government has set up 47 evacuation centers and released emergency funds. International aid, including medical teams from the WHO, is arriving to support recovery efforts, which are expected to be lengthy.