GENERAL SANTOS, Philippines — The death toll from the powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the southern Philippines earlier this week has risen to 55, as rescue teams continue search and recovery operations in some of the hardest-hit areas of Mindanao.
According to Philippine authorities, the earthquake, which struck off the coast of Sarangani province on June 8, also left more than 1,100 people injured, at least 31 missing, and displaced over 45,000 residents. Thousands of homes and public buildings sustained damage, while persistent aftershocks have complicated relief efforts.
The city of General Santos and surrounding provinces suffered extensive destruction, including collapsed buildings, damaged roads, power outages, and disruptions to water supplies. Emergency crews have been working around the clock to restore essential services and assist affected communities.
Officials said disaster-preparedness programs and regular earthquake drills helped prevent an even greater loss of life, particularly in schools and public institutions where evacuation procedures were swiftly implemented when the quake struck.
The Philippines, located along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent earthquakes, but the latest tremor is among the strongest to hit the country in decades. Authorities have urged residents to remain alert as aftershocks continue across the region.
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