The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Mindanao, Philippines earlier this month has been revised to 76, according to the latest situation report released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Friday.
The updated figure is lower than the 78 fatalities recorded in the agency’s previous report following ongoing verification and validation of casualty data.
At the same time, the number of individuals reported missing increased to 32.
According to GMA News Online, information has been sent to the NDRRMC for clarification regarding the adjustment in the casualty count, but the agency had yet to respond as of posting time.
Meanwhile, the number of people affected by the disaster continued to rise. The NDRRMC reported that more than 1.45 million residents across Mindanao remain impacted by the earthquake.
Data as of June 19 showed that 348,579 families, equivalent to 1,453,372 individuals, have been affected across Regions IX, XI, XII, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The latest figure is higher than the 1.41 million individuals recorded the previous day.
The June 8 earthquake also caused widespread destruction to residential properties and public infrastructure. Authorities reported that 74,810 houses sustained damage, including more than 13,000 homes that were completely destroyed.
Damage to infrastructure has been estimated at more than P1.35 billion, highlighting the extensive impact of the disaster on communities across the region.
Displacement remains a major concern, with at least 84,799 individuals still unable to return home. Of that number, 21,448 are staying in 46 evacuation centers, while 63,351 others are temporarily taking shelter with relatives and friends.
The NDRRMC further reported that 8,054 aftershocks have been recorded since the earthquake, including 87 that were felt by residents. The seismic event also generated a tsunami that was observed in several coastal communities, with the highest wave measuring 1.48 meters in Kiamba, Sarangani.
Government agencies have so far distributed more than P255 million worth of assistance to affected families. In addition, eight countries have extended international humanitarian aid to support ongoing recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off Maasim, Sarangani on June 8 and was felt across several areas in Mindanao. The tremor triggered landslides, damaged homes and infrastructure, and prompted tsunami warnings in parts of the southern Philippines.
