61 dead, 173K families displaced in Mindanao quake

National

THE National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that last week's powerful earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao left 61 people dead and affected more than 173,000 families across the region.

Based on the agency's latest data as of June 14, a total of 54 deaths were recorded in Region 12, while seven fatalities were reported in Region 11, a report by Philstar said.

The NDRRMC also recorded 11,403 affected individuals, while 40 people remained missing.

The 173,000 affected families translate to approximately 724,000 individuals impacted by the disaster. The earthquake also caused widespread damage to infrastructure and residential properties in several affected areas.

According to the NDRRMC, 725 infrastructure facilities sustained damage, with the total cost of destruction estimated at P1 billion. The quake likewise affected around 54,000 houses, including 9,900 that were totally destroyed and 44,100 that were partially damaged.

In response to the extensive damage caused by the earthquake, 13 municipalities and cities have been placed under a state of calamity. The declaration allows local government units to access emergency funds and resources for disaster response and recovery efforts.

To support affected communities, the NDRRMC said that a total of P67.6 million worth of assistance has already been provided.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation and extend aid to families affected by the disaster.(Rose Ann Caintoy, HNU Comm Intern)