Over 2,000 Aftershocks Recorded After Mindanao Quake

More than 2,000 aftershocks have been recorded following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck offshore Maasim, Sarangani on June 8, as rescue and relief operations continue across affected areas in Mindanao, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

In an update released Wednesday, Phivolcs reported that a total of 2,023 aftershocks had been recorded as of 7 a.m. following the powerful earthquake that caused widespread damage to infrastructure, disrupted transportation and communication services, and affected the opening of classes in several areas.

The agency said the aftershocks ranged from magnitude 1.2 to as high as 6.4. Of the total number recorded, 528 have been plotted while 47 were felt by residents in affected communities.

Phivolcs previously warned that aftershocks may continue in the days and weeks following the strong earthquake, urging residents to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories issued by authorities.

Many parts of Mindanao remain in recovery mode as government agencies continue search, rescue, retrieval and relief operations in areas hardest hit by the tremor.

The Office of the Civil Defense reported Tuesday night that the death toll from the earthquake had exceeded 40. Authorities said four individuals remain missing while hundreds of others sustained injuries during and after the disaster.

Officials also warned that the number of casualties could still increase as responders gain access to remote communities and complete assessments in affected areas.

More than 77,000 individuals have been affected across Mindanao, prompting large-scale humanitarian assistance and recovery efforts from both national and local governments.

Search, rescue and retrieval operations remain ongoing in heavily affected areas, particularly in General Santos City and nearby communities where damaged structures and debris continue to hamper response efforts.

Several villages remain isolated due to damaged roads, landslides and disruptions to transportation networks. Emergency responders have been working to reach these communities and deliver food, water, medicine and other essential supplies.

Classes and government operations in several localities remain suspended as authorities prioritize public safety and conduct structural inspections of schools, government offices and other public facilities.

Government agencies have also begun extensive damage assessments to determine the extent of destruction caused by the earthquake and identify areas requiring immediate intervention.

The Department of Energy is coordinating with electric cooperatives and utility providers to assess damage to power facilities and accelerate the restoration of electricity services in affected provinces and cities.

Meanwhile, hospitals and health facilities across the region implemented emergency measures immediately following the earthquake.

Several medical centers conducted temporary evacuations and safety inspections to ensure the structural integrity of their facilities while continuing to provide services to injured residents.

Local governments have established evacuation centers and emergency response hubs to accommodate displaced families and coordinate the distribution of assistance.

Relief operations continue to expand with support from national government agencies, local government units, volunteer organizations and private sector groups.

Food packs, drinking water, hygiene kits and other emergency supplies have been delivered to thousands of affected residents.

Authorities continue to urge the public to remain alert as aftershocks persist and to avoid entering structures that may have been weakened by the earthquake until they have been declared safe by engineers and inspectors.

The magnitude 7.8 earthquake is among the strongest to hit Mindanao in recent years, leaving a trail of destruction across several provinces and prompting a massive response effort as communities begin the long process of recovery and rebuilding.