The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has recorded a total of 2,980 aftershocks as of 8:00 AM Thursday, following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on Monday. Among these, 783 have been precisely located, and 61 were felt by residents, with magnitudes ranging from 1.2 to 6.4.
Death Toll and Rescue Operations
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the death toll has risen to 53, though this figure is still undergoing verification. The Davao Region and SOCCSKSARGEN remain under Code Red Alert as rescue, retrieval, and damage assessment operations continue in affected areas. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that responders have reached previously isolated communities, but some areas remain difficult to access due to damaged roads and infrastructure.
Impact on Education
The Department of Education (DepEd) estimates that over 6,200 schools and 3.2 million students and teachers have been affected by the earthquake. Assessments are ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage to educational facilities.
Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and heed advisories to ensure safety amid the ongoing aftershocks.
