Philippines quake death toll hits 55 as rescue efforts continue
Philippine disaster management officials confirmed Thursday that the death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck the southern island of Mindanao has climbed to 55, with rescue operations continuing in collapsed buildings and landslide-hit communities despite ongoing aftershocks and unstable structures.
The death toll from the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the southern Philippines earlier this week has climbed to 55, local authorities confirmed Thursday, as rescue teams continued efforts in the hardest-hit areas of Mindanao.
Rescue challenges mount
Officials reported that dozens of people remain injured while several others are still missing amid widespread destruction caused by the strong tremor. Rescue operations have been hampered by continuing aftershocks, unstable structures, and damaged roads leading to affected towns, according to the Philippine News Agency.
Widespread destruction
The earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao, triggering panic across the southern Philippines and causing extensive damage to homes, schools, hospitals, and public infrastructure in General Santos City and parts of Sarangani province. Thousands of residents have been displaced and are staying in evacuation centers as authorities declared states of calamity to speed up emergency response and distribute food, water, and medical assistance.
Government pledges aid
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pledged full government support for affected communities and ordered national agencies to accelerate recovery measures. The Philippines is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world's most seismically active regions, making earthquakes a frequent occurrence in the archipelago.
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