At least 37 people have died, 488 were injured, and four remain missing after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Mindanao on Monday, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported Tuesday. OCD Deputy Spokesperson Diego Mariano Agustin disclosed the figures via text message, as retrieval operations continue, according to BusinessWorld.
The earthquake, which struck at a depth of several kilometers, caused widespread damage across the region, triggering landslides and collapsing buildings. Rescue teams, including military and local responders, are racing against time to locate survivors and retrieve victims trapped under debris. The OCD has warned that the death toll may rise as more areas are reached.
Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious of aftershocks and to follow evacuation orders in unstable zones. Relief operations are underway, with the national government coordinating with local government units to provide food, shelter, and medical aid to affected communities. The OCD continues to assess the full extent of the disaster.