Mindanao earthquake reported death toll now 45 —NDRRMC

The reported fatalities in the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao have increased to 45, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

In its report as of 6 p.m. Tuesday, the NDRRMC said 33 of the reported deaths were from Soccsksargen, while 12 were from Davao Region.

A total of 17 people were reported missing and 487 people were reported injured following the earthquake last Monday.

The NDRRMC noted that these figures are still up for validation.

A total of 149,372 people or 33,596 families were affected by the earthquake in Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Of the affected population, 32,464 people or 8,813 families were staying in evacuation centers, while 8,973 people or 1,804 families were taking shelter in other places.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said areas that were initially isolated have already been reached by government responders

In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo also said access remains a challenge in some areas due to damaged infrastructure, particularly in parts of Soccsksargen.

He added some roads and bridges remain impassable, prompting authorities to use alternative routes and sea transport to deliver relief supplies and reach affected communities.

Castillo said assessments of infrastructure damage are ongoing.

Initial reports from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) showed there were 18 damaged bridges in Soccsksargen, six of which were nearly impassable. At least 41 roads were also affected, with around 20 rendered impassable.

The earthquake also caused six reported landslides.

The government has been delivering food, non-food items, tents, fuel, and other essential supplies to residents displaced by the earthquake.

Castillo said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has enough food stocks for affected residents.—AOL, GMA News