Quake deaths hit 61; M 4.9 aftershock jolts Sarangani

The death toll from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Southern and Central Mindanao on June 8 has risen to 61, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

- By PIA LEE-BRAGO

The NDRRMC said 54 deaths were reported in Region 12 and seven in Region 11 as of 6 a.m. yesterday.

At least 40 people remain missing while 1,403 have been injured.

The quake affected 724,000 people, with around 10,000 staying in evacuation centers.

Initial damage to infrastructure is estimated at P1 billion. A state of calamity was declared in 13 municipalities.

Initial reports indicated widespread damage to 609 buildings, schools, hospitals and other structures comprising Region 12's South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City (Soccsksargen).

Power outages and telecommunications blackouts were reported in several affected areas, while damaged roads and bridges have hindered access to some communities.