The death toll from the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the island of Mindanao in the Philippines has risen to 19, according to the latest reports.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports that this figure was confirmed by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), as local authorities continue search and rescue operations in the affected areas.
Earlier reports indicated that the seismic activity caused significant infrastructure damage, with over 200 people injured, primarily due to collapsing or damaged buildings. The earthquake also triggered tsunami waves reaching up to 1 meter in height along the nearby coastlines.
In response to the disaster, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos has ordered the suspension of classes in schools across several regions of Mindanao to ensure the safety of students and staff. Local police and emergency services have been mobilized to provide assistance and conduct ongoing damage assessments.
The Philippines is located along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an area known for high seismic and volcanic activity, making the archipelago particularly vulnerable to powerful earthquakes. The Mindanao region, in particular, has a history of significant seismic events that frequently test the nation's disaster preparedness and emergency response infrastructure.
