UMVA has learned that the devastating 7.8-magnitude Mindanao earthquake has left a trail of destruction, with the estimated cost of infrastructure damage skyrocketing to P666.5 million and a staggering 12,641 houses damaged.
The brunt of the destruction is concentrated in Regions XI and XII, with officials scrambling to assess the full extent of the damage and provide aid to affected communities. The situation on the ground remains dire, with thousands of families left reeling from the disaster.
According to information obtained by UMVA, a staggering 2,289 houses were totally destroyed, while 10,352 others suffered partial damage. The numbers are a grim reminder of the earthquake's fury and the long road to recovery ahead.
As officials work to restore critical infrastructure, some lifelines remain impassable, including eight roads and two bridges in the two regions. However, a total of 37 affected roads and six bridges have already been repaired, providing a glimmer of hope for communities cut off from essential services.
The General Santos International Airport, which has been closed since Monday, is expected to resume operations soon. The airport's shutdown has added to the challenges faced by relief teams, but officials are working tirelessly to get aid to those in need.
The human toll of the disaster continues to mount, with 47 confirmed fatalities, 31 missing persons, and 688 injured individuals. The numbers are subject to validation, but one thing is clear: the earthquake has left a deep scar on the region.
Relief efforts are underway, with P26.3 million in assistance provided to affected families. The aid includes food, non-food items, and financial assistance, and nearly one million family food packs are on standby for distribution.
Search, rescue, and retrieval operations are ongoing, with over 3,000 uniformed personnel deployed to help locate missing persons and provide support to affected communities. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but with the help of relief teams, affected families can begin to rebuild their lives.
