Manila, June 15:
At least 61 people were killed, 40 remain missing and 1,403 were injured after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mindanao in the Philippines on June 8, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
The quake affected more than 346,000 people from over 75,300 households, while over 45,000 residents were displaced. Authorities reported damage to more than 12,600 houses and 45 quake-related incidents, most of them landslides.
The earthquake also disrupted key infrastructure, affecting 45 road sections, eight bridges, one airport and two seaports. Power outages were reported across 48 cities and municipalities, while the agriculture, livestock and fisheries sectors also suffered losses.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the earthquake occurred at a depth of 33 km, with its epicentre located about 32 km southwest of Maasim town in Sarangani province.
Deaths were caused by building collapses, falling debris and landslides. Significant damage was reported in General Santos City, where a two-storey school building collapsed, trapping students. Several university buildings, restaurants and commercial establishments also sustained structural damage.
The disaster struck shortly after schools reopened following the summer break. Thousands of schools across six regions were affected, with authorities reporting damage to 8,642 schools. Rescue and relief operations are continuing as officials assess the full extent of the destruction.