Mindanao quake deaths reach 37

The number of people killed by the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao has climbed to 37, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

In a radio interview Tuesday, disaster officials said four fatalities were recorded in Region 11, while Region 12 accounted for 33 deaths.

Authorities warned that the casualty count could still rise as rescuers continue to search affected communities.

The strong offshore earthquake occurred Monday, with its epicenter located about 24 kilometers west of Sarangani province.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the tremor was generated by movement along the Cotabato Trench, the same fault system linked to the devastating 1976 Moro Gulf earthquake and tsunami that claimed thousands of lives.

The quake also prompted tsunami and evacuation advisories in parts of neighboring Indonesia and Malaysia, although officials later lifted the alerts.

Emergency responders remain deployed across affected areas as local governments assess the extent of damage. Initial reports showed that 19 roads and nine bridges in the Soccsksargen region sustained damage. Several communities are also grappling with power outages, water service disruptions, and unstable communication lines.

At General Santos International Airport, flight operations remain restricted, with priority given to military, government, and humanitarian missions.

Meanwhile, patients at the Sarangani Provincial Hospital continue to stay in temporary outdoor areas while authorities evaluate the structural condition of the facility. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa visited General Santos City to inspect the hospital and other quake-affected infrastructure.

Officials continue to advise residents to remain alert for aftershocks and closely monitor updates and safety instructions from local disaster management offices.