A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao, southern Philippines, recently. As of Friday, the death toll has risen to 55, with another 31 people missing. Rescue workers are braving heavy rain and ongoing aftershocks as they continue search, rescue, and cleanup operations, but hopes of finding survivors are gradually diminishing.
The strong quake struck southern regions of the Philippines on the 8th of this month, severely damaging infrastructure in several areas of Sarangani Province, blocking roads and affecting large numbers of residents.
Local disaster management chief Ponzalan stated that most blocked roads have gradually been cleared and reopened, but due to continued power outages and transportation disruptions in some areas, authorities must rely on helicopters to deliver essential aid such as food and drinking water to affected residents.
He said ongoing aftershocks and continuous overnight rainfall have severely hampered rescue progress.
"Aftershocks are still ongoing, and with heavy rain falling last night, we were forced to temporarily halt the use of excavators to remove boulders," he said.
Ponzalan admitted that as several days have passed since the earthquake, the chances of finding survivors are getting lower.
"If we could still rescue survivors at this point, it would be a miracle. Our goal has shifted to recovering the bodies of the missing," he said.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the hardest-hit areas on the 10th, including damaged schools and relief goods distribution centers, and announced a grant of 100 million pesos (about 2.1 million Singapore dollars) to rebuild local municipal halls and related public facilities.
Authorities stated that search and rescue operations will continue, while closely monitoring the risks of secondary disasters that may be brought on by aftershocks and severe weather.
Local disaster management chief Ponzalan stated that most blocked roads have gradually been cleared and reopened, but due to continued power outages and transportation disruptions in some areas, authorities must rely on helicopters to deliver essential aid such as food and drinking water to affected residents.
He said ongoing aftershocks and continuous overnight rainfall have severely hampered rescue progress.
"Aftershocks are still ongoing, and with heavy rain falling last night, we were forced to temporarily halt the use of excavators to remove boulders," he said.
Ponzalan admitted that as several days have passed since the earthquake, the chances of finding survivors are getting lower.
"If we could still rescue survivors at this point, it would be a miracle. Our goal has shifted to recovering the bodies of the missing," he said.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the hardest-hit areas on the 10th, including damaged schools and relief goods distribution centers, and announced a grant of 100 million pesos (about 2.1 million Singapore dollars) to rebuild local municipal halls and related public facilities.
Authorities stated that search and rescue operations will continue, while closely monitoring the risks of secondary disasters that may be brought on by aftershocks and severe weather.