Rescue operations in the Philippines are facing severe difficulties as officials contend with heavy rain and aftershocks while rushing to find those missing after a major earthquake. The latest death toll has risen to 55.
Philippine rescue teams are encountering major obstacles after heavy rainfall and continuous aftershocks following the earthquake have delayed the search for missing persons. Meanwhile, the death toll from the large earthquake in the southern part of the country has increased to 55.
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Mindanao Island on Monday caused extensive damage, with many buildings collapsing, landslides occurring, and several areas affected by tsunami warnings.
The situation remains difficult in the disaster-affected areas, especially in Sarangani Province, which suffered severe damage. Officials are urgently clearing roads blocked by large rocks and landslides while searching for people trapped under building debris.
Rene Punsalan, head of the Sarangani Provincial Disaster Management Unit, revealed that although several routes have been reopened, helicopters are still needed to deliver food and drinking water to remote communities without electricity.
He stated that the rain last night and ongoing aftershocks are major obstacles causing periodic interruptions in the relief operations.
Rescue teams are using backhoe loaders to move rocks and rubble, but officials must exercise increased caution due to the continuing tremors.
Currently, 31 people are reported missing. Officials are conducting thorough search efforts but acknowledge that the chances of finding survivors are diminishing after several days since the earthquake occurred.
The head of Sarangani's disaster unit said that after several days, finding survivors may require a miracle, and the immediate priority is to recover the bodies of the deceased for their families.
Meanwhile, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited General Santos City to survey the disaster area and announced a budget allocation of 100 million pesos, or approximately 1.6 million US dollars, to restore the damaged city hall.
Source:channelnewsasia
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