The death toll from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8 has risen to 61, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). Authorities are still verifying the identities of the victims.
Based on reports, 33 people remain missing while 1,221 others were injured, including many students who experienced trauma and sought treatment in hospitals. According to the OCD, most of the fatalities were victims of landslides, building collapses, and debris, particularly in General Santos City, Jose Abad Santos (Davao Occidental), and Sarangani Island.
Search and rescue operations continue in areas that remain difficult to reach due to landslides. Simultaneously, the government is delivering food, clean water, tents, and other relief supplies using airplanes, ships, and helicopters.
Meanwhile, the General Santos City Airport remains closed to commercial flights but is open for humanitarian missions. PHIVOLCS has recorded nearly 4,000 aftershocks since the strong earthquake struck.
