MANILA – Search, rescue, and retrieval operations remained in full swing Tuesday as authorities continued efforts to locate missing persons and assist thousands displaced by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Southern Mindanao on June 8.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Tuesday morning reported that as of 9 a.m., the earthquake had injured 488 individuals, and left four others missing. Rescue teams are still working in several affected areas, particularly in Regions 11 and 12, where collapsed structures and landslides have complicated operations.
As of 2 p.m. today, the death toll from provincial sources contacted by AFP stood at 41.
Outdoor hospitals, cut-off communities as Mindanao quake toll hits 41
As of 9 a.m., a total of 32,926 families, or 145,693 individuals, have been affected across 163 barangays in Regions 9, 11, 12, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
In Regions 11 and 12 alone, 8,725 families, equivalent to nearly 32,000 individuals, are currently staying in 54 evacuation centers, while another 1,804 families are sheltering outside evacuation facilities.
Authorities are also investigating at least six reported landslide incidents linked to the earthquake, some of which resulted in casualties and blocked access to isolated communities.
SEARCH AND RESCUE
To support ongoing emergency operations, 2,784 search, rescue, and retrieval personnel have been deployed across affected areas.
An additional 1,475 responders remain on standby for immediate deployment. The response force includes 23 teams from the AFP, 310 teams from the Philippine National Police (PNP), 169 teams from the Philippine Coast Guard, and 510 teams from the Bureau of Fire Protection.
Government assets on standby include land, sea, and air resources.
Government officials said Cabinet members visited Davao Region and General Santos City on Monday to personally assess the extent of the damage and coordinate relief operations.
“Ayon na rin sa utos ng ating Pangulo, talagang tuloy-tuloy ‘yung pagbibigay ng ating ayuda o support sa mga affected LGUs. So hands on po talaga tayo,” the NDRRMC said.
The NDRRMC said they are currently focused on damage assessment and response coordination.
Meanwhile, the Department of Energy has deployed technical teams to restore electricity in affected communities.
Power restoration efforts are ongoing as utility providers assess damage to transmission and distribution facilities. Telecommunications services across most parts of Mindanao remain operational, according to government reports.
Power transmission restored in quake-hit Mindanao but many still without power
SUSPENSION OF CLASSES
The Department of Education reported that 8,208 schools suspended classes as of June 8. Initial assessments showed damage to 1,023 school facilities in Region 12 and 192 facilities in Region 11.
Authorities estimate that structural inspections may take three to four days before schools can safely resume face-to-face classes.
NATIONAL ROADS
Four national roads remain closed to traffic, including routes in Davao Occidental and South Cotabato. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has mobilized 821 pieces of equipment, with 56 already actively engaged in clearing operations and emergency repairs.
Initial reports estimate partial damage to national roads and highways at approximately P232 million, although assessments are still ongoing.
HOUSING NEEDS
Authorities recorded 2,505 damaged houses, including 460 that were totally destroyed and 2,045 that sustained partial damage. Government agencies are preparing housing materials, shelter repair kits, and temporary shelters for affected families, particularly as aftershocks continue to threaten vulnerable structures.
AIRPORT
At the General Santos International Airport, operations remain suspended following structural damage caused by the earthquake.
The facility is currently limited to military, government, and humanitarian flights as authorities conduct inspections and repairs. Officials are targeting the restoration of regular airport operations before June 12.
Relief efforts are also underway, with the Department of Social Welfare and Development distributing family food packs and emergency assistance to displaced residents.
More than P1 million worth of relief goods have already been prepositioned for immediate distribution.