The Department of Energy (DOE) is accelerating efforts to restore electricity in areas affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.

Garin said the quake disrupted operations of four power plants, two transmission lines, four private distribution utilities, and eight electric cooperatives across the region.

Two of the affected power plants have since been repaired, while one transmission line has been partially restored, she said. Power has also been brought back online in four private distribution utilities and several electric cooperatives.

However, South Cotabato II remains under a total power interruption, with a blackout still affecting the area, Garin added.

Initial reports showed power outages in parts of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Davao, and nearby localities following the strong tremor.

The DOE, in coordination with the National Electrification Administration and the National Power Corporation, has deployed rapid response teams to assist in restoration efforts.

The agency has also activated its Emergency Task Force “Kapatid,” dispatching line workers from non-affected electric cooperatives to areas hit by the earthquake.

Garin said the DOE has instructed affected distribution utilities to prioritize restoring electricity in critical facilities such as hospitals and evacuation centers.

“Continuous monitoring is being conducted to ensure the uninterrupted supply of electricity and petroleum products in affected communities,” the department said in a statement on Monday.