GENERAL SANTOS: Rescue teams in southern Philippines continue search operations after a devastating earthquake struck the region. The Philippines earthquake has caused widespread destruction and rising casualties.
Authorities confirmed that rescuers recovered another body from a collapsed supermarket in General Santos City. The victim was one of two employees trapped inside the building.
The powerful tremor measured 7.8 magnitude and struck offshore near Mindanao on Monday. The Philippines earthquake triggered landslides, building collapses, and tsunami warnings across the southern region.
Emergency responders used life-detection equipment during the rescue mission. Early signals showed a weak pulse, but no survivors were found when they reached the site.
Officials later confirmed the victim was found trapped between two structural beams. The ongoing Philippines earthquake rescue operations continue despite dangerous aftershocks in the area.
The national disaster agency has raised the official death toll to 45. However, civil defence authorities confirmed additional fatalities, bringing the total to at least 46.
Authorities also reported a sharp increase in missing persons. The number rose from four to 17 as more areas were assessed after the disaster.
Most of the additional deaths were reported in Davao Occidental province. Officials said many victims were killed due to landslides and collapsing structures triggered by the earthquake.
The Philippines earthquake has severely impacted infrastructure across multiple towns and cities. Roads have been damaged, and communication lines remain disrupted in several remote areas.
Rescue teams continue to face challenges due to aftershocks and unstable debris. Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and avoid damaged buildings.
Local officials are coordinating with national disaster agencies to speed up relief efforts. Emergency shelters have been set up for displaced families in affected regions.
Search and recovery operations are expected to continue in the coming days. Officials warn that the final death toll from the Philippines earthquake may still rise as more areas are reached.
In other news read more about Deadly Tremors Shake Philippines After Strong 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake
The disaster remains one of the strongest seismic events to hit the southern Philippines in recent years, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to powerful earthquakes.
