Manila, June 9: The death toll from the powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck off Maasim, Sarangani in the southern Philippines has risen to 37, while 479 people were injured and four others remain missing, authorities said on Tuesday.
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According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), most casualties were reported from the Soccsksargen region, which recorded 33 deaths and 456 injuries, while the Davao region reported four deaths and 23 injuries.
The quake struck at 7:37 a.m. on Monday and was felt across several parts of Mindanao and nearby regions. Authorities had issued a tsunami warning shortly after the tremor, prompting evacuations in coastal areas before the alert was later lifted.
The NDRRMC said over 88,000 people from nearly 19,529 families were affected by the disaster. Thousands have been shifted to evacuation centres.
Initial assessments showed damage to at least 127 facilities, with losses estimated at around P15 million. Ten houses were also reported damaged.
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Classes and government work were suspended in several cities and municipalities as safety inspections of buildings continued. General Santos City International Airport also remained closed to commercial flights.
