Sarangani: The death toll from the 7.8 magnitude offshore quake in Sarangani has risen to 37, the Office of Civil Defense said Tuesday. OCD deputy spokesperson Diego Agustin Mariano reported that, as of 6 a.m., there were four deaths recorded in Region 11 (Davao) and 33 in Region 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN).
According to Philippines News Agency, Mariano stated that these figures are still under validation. The breakdown includes 18 deaths being validated in Sarangani province, 12 in General Santos City-both in Region 12-and three in South Cotabato. The OCD has not yet released figures on the damage caused by the strong quake.
Earlier reports indicated that there were 144 injured individuals and four missing persons. Initial assessments suggested that General Santos City was the worst affected when the quake struck at 7:37 a.m. Monday in the Celebes Sea.
As of 7 a.m. Tuesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded 1,055 aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 1.3 to 6.7. The OCD said that the national government is collaborating with local officials in Sarangani to provide relief and assistance.
Efforts include the deployment of generators and fuel for hospitals to ensure continuous operations of medical facilities.
