Death toll rises to 37 after powerful earthquake in the Philippines
Philippine authorities have confirmed that the death toll following the recent earthquake on the island of Mindanao has risen to 37 people. The earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.8, has caused severe damage in the southern region of the country, leaving thousands of citizens in a critical situation.
In addition to the fatalities, the official report indicates that more than 470 people were injured during the natural disaster. Rescue teams continue to work in the most affected areas to help the injured and search for potential missing persons under the rubble of damaged buildings.
The humanitarian situation is concerning, as some 31,701 people have had to leave their homes due to destruction or the risk of further collapses. Currently, these citizens are distributed across 54 temporary shelters set up by the government to provide food, water, and basic medical care.
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake is one of the strongest recorded in the area recently. The Philippines is located in the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire," a region with high seismic and volcanic activity, which makes the country frequently vulnerable to these types of natural phenomena.
Finally, local authorities and international aid organizations continue to assess the material and human damage. Meanwhile, the population is asked to remain calm and follow safety instructions, as aftershocks of the earthquake could continue over the coming days.