Philippines earthquake death toll climbs to 35

The death toll from a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the southern Philippine island of Mindanao has risen to 35, according to local media citing official sources. The earthquake, which occurred Monday, caused widespread devastation in the region.

Of the reported fatalities, 31 died in the Soccsksargen region, with 13 of those deaths attributed to a landslide that buried homes in the municipality of Glan. Another four deaths were reported in the Davao region. The national Office of Civil Defense (OCD) confirmed the figures, adding that 134 people were injured and 12 remained missing in Mindanao.

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The safety of students and teachers is our top priority.

Mindanao, the Philippines' second-largest island, experienced over 130 aftershocks following the main tremor, with some reaching magnitudes as high as 6.7. The earthquake was detected at a depth of approximately 35 kilometers. The disaster has impacted around 10,000 families in the hardest-hit areas, where schools, supermarkets, and shopping centers collapsed.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos stated that authorities are coordinating a comprehensive response and disaster monitoring across all affected areas. Services such as electricity and telecommunications have been disrupted. The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) in the Philippines has pledged support for the government's emergency response, prioritizing the safety of students and teachers. Despite initial tsunami alerts, they were later canceled by the Philippines and other Pacific nations.

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Authorities are coordinating the response and disaster monitoring in all affected areas.