The death toll from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao has risen to 65, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
The agency also reported that 36 people remain missing as authorities continue search and rescue operations in areas affected by the powerful quake.
Among those unaccounted for are 18 individuals from the municipality of Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental. Authorities said the missing residents were believed to have been buried by a landslide triggered by the earthquake.
Government agencies have continued efforts to locate missing persons and assist affected communities across the region. Search and rescue teams remain deployed in several areas where access has been hampered by landslides and damage to infrastructure caused by the earthquake.
The latest figures from the OCD reflect the ongoing assessment of the disaster’s impact as authorities gather information from affected local government units and response teams on the ground.
Rescue operations have focused on communities severely affected by landslides and other earthquake-related hazards. Emergency responders continue to search for survivors while providing assistance to residents displaced by the disaster.
Officials said coordination among national government agencies, local government units, and emergency response teams remains ongoing as recovery efforts continue.
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake caused widespread damage in several parts of Mindanao, prompting large-scale rescue and relief operations. Authorities are continuing to monitor affected areas and verify reports as efforts to account for missing individuals move forward.
The OCD said search and rescue operations remain a priority as responders work to reach affected communities and locate those still unaccounted for following the earthquake.
