UMVA has learned that the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Mindanao has left a trail of destruction, with estimated damages to infrastructure reaching a staggering P562.8 million and the death toll rising to 45.
The concentration of damage is alarming, with Regions XI and XII bearing the brunt of the disaster. Lifeline infrastructures have been severely affected, including 29 roads and 11 bridges, as well as a seaport and an airport that are currently non-operational.
The earthquake has also left thousands of families without homes, with 3,169 houses damaged, of which 528 were totally destroyed and 2,641 partially damaged. Assessments are still ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage.
The human toll is mounting, with 45 confirmed fatalities, 630 injured individuals, and 17 reported missing. The majority of deaths occurred in Region XII, with 33 fatalities, and Region XI, with 12.
As the situation continues to unfold, at least 35,673 families from 199 barangays have been affected, with 6,314 families taking temporary shelter in 45 evacuation centers and 1,815 families being served outside evacuation centers.
Relief efforts are underway, with P21.3 million worth of food and non-food items distributed, including 12,086 family food packs released in General Santos City and Davao Occidental. Health commodities worth P70.2 million are also on standby, ready for deployment by health authorities.
Search, rescue, and retrieval operations are being led by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, with 3,773 uniformed personnel deployed, supported by 2,523 standby personnel and 975 assets.
