The death toll from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Maasim, Sarangani on Monday has risen to 37, according to the latest data released by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Tuesday morning, June 9.
As of 6:00 a.m., of the reported fatalities, 18 were recorded in Sarangani Province, 12 in General Santos City, and three in South Cotabato.
At least 456 people were injured, while four individuals remain missing.
The OCD said the earthquake affected around 17,600 families across the region.
A series of powerful aftershocks struck the area for about two hours after the main quake hit at 7:37 a.m. on Monday. The strongest aftershock registered magnitude 6.7. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) warned that further aftershocks were expected.
The Department of Education (DepEd) reported extensive damage to schools, particularly in Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN), where Maasim, San Juan, and Alabel in Sarangani Province were among the hardest-hit areas.
According to DepEd Assistant Secretary for Operations Jocelyn Andaya, a total of 161 schools were affected by the earthquake.
“Ang total number schools affected ay 161, tapos nag classrooms may minor damage 523, mayroon naman major damage 204 at ‘yung totally damage na school 105,” Andaya said in an interview with DZRH’s Damdaming Bayan.
Andaya said students and teachers would temporarily be barred from returning to affected schools while engineers and disaster response teams conduct safety inspections.
“Ibig sabihin po nito ihihinto pagpunta muna sa paaralan ang ating mga estudyante at mga guro upang tingnan ang ating mga eskwelahan ng ating mga engineers at ang NDRRM team natin,” she added said.
According to Andaya, Education Secretary Sonny Angara has ordered the suspension of school operations in affected areas until damage assessments are completed and authorities determine that school buildings are safe for occupancy.
Meanwhile, search and rescue teams continued operations in General Santos City, where at least four people remain missing.
Several buildings either collapsed or sustained heavy damage during the quake. Among the affected structures was a four-story commercial building that partially collapsed. The building housed the provincial stations of 101.5 Love Radio and 94.3 DZRH News FM.
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake, described by PHIVOLCS as the “strongest“ to hit the Philippines this year. Its epicenter was located about 32km southwest of Maasim, Sarangani Province.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday directed all concerned government agencies to immediately mobilize assistance and response efforts following the earthquake.
The President also urged residents in coastal communities to heed tsunami warnings and immediately move to higher ground when advised by authorities.
