Manila: The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck the southern Philippines has risen to at least 45, while rescue teams continue searching for 17 people who remain missing amid dangerous conditions caused by thousands of aftershocks.
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit near General Santos City on June 8, shaking large parts of Mindanao and causing widespread destruction across the region. Authorities said more than 2,100 aftershocks have been recorded since the main quake, making rescue operations difficult and forcing emergency workers to repeatedly suspend search efforts for their own safety.
Rescuers have been working around the clock to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings. However, strong aftershocks continue to threaten already damaged structures. In one incident, firefighters and coast guard personnel were forced to quickly leave a partially collapsed building when another powerful tremor struck during a rescue operation.
Officials fear that the number of deaths could increase as search teams reach isolated communities and continue clearing debris from destroyed homes and buildings. Many families are still waiting for news about missing relatives.
The earthquake caused severe damage across several provinces in southern Mindanao. Thousands of houses were either destroyed or damaged, leaving many residents without shelter. Roads, bridges and public buildings also suffered significant damage, disrupting transportation and communication in affected areas.
General Santos International Airport remains partially affected by the disaster, with authorities conducting safety inspections and repair work before normal operations can fully resume. Power and water services have also been disrupted in several communities, adding to the hardships faced by residents.
Hospitals in the region have been treating hundreds of injured people since the earthquake struck. Medical teams have been working continuously to care for patients, while emergency supplies are being distributed to affected communities.
The disaster has forced more than 25,000 people to leave their homes. Many are now staying in temporary shelters, evacuation centers and public buildings. Aid agencies and government officials are providing food, drinking water, medicines and other basic necessities to displaced families.
The earthquake also caused major disruptions to education. The tremor struck on the first day of the new school term, creating panic among students and teachers. Thousands of school buildings were damaged, leading authorities to suspend classes in many areas until engineers can determine whether the structures are safe.
A brief tsunami warning was issued following the earthquake because the epicenter was located offshore near Sarangani Province along the Cotabato Trench. Authorities in the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia monitored the situation closely before the warning was later lifted. Small tsunami waves were recorded in some coastal areas, but no major tsunami damage was reported.
In response to the disaster, local governments have declared states of calamity in several affected areas. The declaration allows authorities to access emergency funds more quickly and speed up relief and recovery efforts.
The Philippines is one of the world's most disaster prone countries due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. Seismologists said the latest earthquake was caused by movement along the Cotabato Trench, a major fault system capable of generating powerful seismic events.
As rescue operations continue, government agencies, humanitarian organizations and local communities are working together to support survivors and begin the long process of rebuilding. For many families who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods, recovery is expected to take months and possibly years.