Death Toll Rises to 37 Following 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake in the Philippines
The death tool from the powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on June 8 has risen to 37. Search and rescue operations continue as authorities report that more than 450 people have been injured and four individuals remain missing.
The natural disaster has affected over 17,600 families, translating to roughly 77,000 people. The city of General Santos and Sarangani province are the hardest-hit areas, where search and rescue teams are currently concentrated.
Displacement and temporary shelters
Many residents refuse to return to their homes due to ongoing aftershocks and fears regarding the structural integrity of buildings. In response to the mass displacement, local authorities are planning the construction of temporary shelters and tent camps for those evacuated.
The initial quake struck at 07:37 local time, triggering brief tsunami warnings across the region before they were downgraded. It also coincided with the first day of the school year, prompting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to suspend classes across affected regions to allow engineers to inspect school infrastructure.
International сondolences
Following the rising casualties, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev sent his condolences to the Philippine authorities.
According to the press service of the President of Uzbekistan, the head of state expressed his deep sympathy and support to the families and loved ones of the victims, whilst wishing a swift recovery to those injured.
President Marcos Jr stated that national government agencies are fully coordinating their disaster response, assuring residents that federal aid and recovery teams will remain deployed in Mindanao to manage the aftermath.
