DAVAO CITY (June 15) — The devastation left by the powerful earthquake that struck Mindanao continues to unfold, with authorities reporting at least 61 deaths and more than 724,000 people affected across the island.
In its latest situation report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the disaster has impacted around 173,000 families as rescue, relief, and recovery operations continue in several provinces.
The majority of the fatalities were recorded in Region 12, where 54 people lost their lives. Another seven deaths were reported in Region 11.
Authorities have also recorded more than 11,400 injured individuals, while 40 people remain missing as search efforts continue in some of the hardest-hit areas.
Hundreds of Thousands Affected
The earthquake disrupted the lives of hundreds of thousands of residents, forcing many families to leave their homes and seek temporary shelter.
Entire communities have been grappling with damaged houses, disrupted livelihoods, and concerns over aftershocks in the days following the disaster.
For many survivors, the challenge now extends beyond immediate safety as they begin the difficult task of rebuilding homes and restoring normalcy.
Infrastructure Damage Reaches P1 Billion
The NDRRMC reported widespread destruction to public infrastructure, with 725 facilities sustaining damage.
The estimated cost of damage to roads, bridges, schools, government buildings, and other infrastructure has already reached P1 billion.
The destruction has complicated relief efforts in some areas and raised concerns about the pace of recovery, particularly in remote communities where access remains difficult.
Thousands of Homes Damaged
Residential areas also suffered significant losses.
According to the report, more than 54,000 houses were affected by the earthquake. Of these, about 9,900 homes were totally destroyed, while more than 44,000 sustained partial damage.
Thousands of families are now living in temporary shelters, evacuation centers, or with relatives while waiting for assistance and reconstruction support.
Local officials have warned that housing recovery could take months, especially for low-income families with limited resources to rebuild on their own.
State of Calamity Declared in 13 Areas
In response to the scale of the disaster, 13 cities and municipalities have been placed under a state of calamity.
The declaration enables local governments to access emergency funds more quickly and implement measures necessary for disaster response and recovery.
It also allows authorities to control the prices of essential goods and services in affected communities.
Relief Efforts Continue
Government agencies and humanitarian groups continue to deliver aid to affected residents.
The NDRRMC said a total of P67.6 million worth of assistance has already been provided to families impacted by the earthquake.
The assistance includes food packs, emergency shelter materials, medical aid, and other relief supplies intended to address the immediate needs of survivors.
As communities across Mindanao begin the long process of recovery, local officials, aid workers, and volunteers continue to focus on helping affected families rebuild their homes, restore livelihoods, and recover from one of the deadliest earthquakes to strike the region in recent years.
