The death toll from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao on June 8 continues to rise. According to the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), the number of fatalities has reached 46, while 630 are injured and 17 remain missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing in areas severely affected by the disaster.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited General Santos City to personally inspect damaged infrastructure and lead relief operations. During his visit, the President announced that the government will provide P50,000 in assistance to each family that lost a loved one due to the earthquake. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has also allocated up to P15,000 in financial aid for workers affected by the calamity. Additionally, families of deceased workers may receive P30,000 in funeral assistance.
Among the latest victims recovered was an employee who was trapped in a collapsed supermarket in General Santos City. After several days of searching, rescuers retrieved his body from under the debris.
The earthquake also severely impacted the education sector. Over 1,100 schools in Mindanao were damaged, while classes remain suspended in approximately 8,000 schools. According to the Department of Education, it may take several months before operations at some schools return to normal.
Meanwhile, government agencies continue to face difficulties in delivering aid to certain areas due to damaged roads and landslides. As a result, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has used helicopters to transport food, medicine, and other essential supplies to communities that are difficult to reach.
According to the President, electricity has been restored to about 85 percent of the affected areas. Communication and water supply are also gradually being restored in various communities.
Government agencies continue to collaborate on relief, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts as thousands of families in Mindanao begin to recover from one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the region in recent years.
