The reported death toll from a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit parts of southern Mindanao on Monday is increasing, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). In an update shared with the media at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, the NDRRMC says 45 people have died, 487 others are reported injured, and 17 remain missing. The deaths are reported as 33 in Soccsksargen (Region 12) and 12 in the Davao Region (Region 11). The NDRRMC notes that the figures are subject to validation.
Earlier reports in the same coverage indicate the toll had stood at 37 deaths, with 479 injuries and four missing persons at the time of an update released on Tuesday. Across the earlier breakdown, Soccsksargen recorded most fatalities and injuries, while the Davao region logged smaller numbers.
The earthquake is described as one of the strongest to affect Mindanao in recent years. The NDRRMC updates are based on ongoing situational reporting from affected areas.
