Death toll from the Philippines' strongest earthquake in 50 years rises to 37
Kyiv • UNN
As a result of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake, 37 people were killed and 487 injured. Approximately 2,000 homes and dozens of government buildings and bridges were damaged.
The death toll from the powerful earthquake in the Philippines has risen to 37. Another 487 people were injured, and four are considered missing. Rescue operations and assessments of the scale of destruction are ongoing. This was reported by Bloomberg, according to UNN.
Details
According to Assistant Secretary of Civil Defense Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro, the number of casualties may rise as search and rescue operations have not yet been completed.
"Our search and rescue efforts and rapid damage assessment are ongoing. These figures may change. Many residential and commercial establishments have collapsed,"
According to preliminary data, about 2,000 houses were damaged, of which more than 400 were completely destroyed. Additionally, 117 government buildings and about 20 bridges were affected. The magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck on the morning of June 8 on the island of Mindanao. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, this is the strongest earthquake in the Philippines since 1976 and the most powerful in the world since the beginning of the year.
The disaster also struck local businesses. The Alliance Select Foods International tuna canning plant in General Santos City has temporarily suspended operations. An SM Prime Holdings shopping mall also remains closed. Jollibee Foods reported that all staff are safe, although one of the chain's outlets sustained serious damage.