The number of families affected by the powerful earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao has climbed to 35,673, as the government sustained search, rescue, relief, and clearing operations in the hardest-hit areas, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said Wednesday.
OCD Deputy Administrator for Administration Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro said the affected families came from 199 barangays, with thousands of residents still displaced three days after the disaster.
As of noon Wednesday, 6,314 families, or 24,228 individuals, were staying in 45 evacuation centers, while 1,815 more families were taking shelter outside evacuation sites.
The reported death toll remained at 45, while 630 individuals were injured and 17 others were still missing.
Alejandro said most of the casualties were recorded in General Santos City, Davao Occidental, and Sarangani.
“Again, these are all temporary or tentative numbers. At ongoing pa po ang pagsasagawa ng ating rapid damage and needs assessment,” Alejandro said.
The OCD also reported damage to 29 roads, 11 bridges, one seaport, and one airport. Initial infrastructure damage in Regions 11 and 12 has reached around P562.8 million.
At least 3,169 houses were damaged, including 2,641 partially damaged houses and 528 totally destroyed homes.
Alejandro said the government has already provided P21.3 million worth of food and non-food items to affected communities, including 12,086 family food packs released for General Santos City and Davao Occidental.
He added that all available government resources are being mobilized, with response clusters activated and operations centered in General Santos City, Glan in Sarangani, and Davao Occidental.
“Pangatlong araw po ito ng ating operasyon at tuloy-tuloy po ang pagbibigay natin ng assistance sa affected communities,” Alejandro said.
Under the logistics cluster, 21 major assets have been deployed, including seven aircraft and 14 land assets from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Around 388 additional assets remain on standby for possible deployment.
For search, rescue, and retrieval operations, Alejandro said the AFP is leading efforts together with the Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine National Police.
A total of 3,773 personnel have been deployed for search and rescue operations, while 2,523 others remain on standby. Around 975 assets are also ready for deployment.
The Department of Health has made available P70.2 million worth of health commodities, while the Department of Public Works and Highways has deployed 34 major assets and 485 personnel for debris clearing and civil works in coordination with local government units.
Emergency communications have also been strengthened, with 73 emergency telecommunications equipment already deployed and more expected to be sent to affected areas.
The PNP, meanwhile, deployed 2,496 personnel in Regions 11 and 12 for law and order operations, supported by 463 assets.
Alejandro said the government continues to serve displaced residents in evacuation centers, including nearly 3,700 families or 15,960 individuals currently covered by camp coordination and camp management operations.
He said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was in the affected areas to personally assess the situation and provide guidance to response agencies.
“Ang inyong OCD at ang buong NDRRMC ay tuloy-tuloy po ang aming pagre-responde. Ang ating Pangulo po ay nasa area ngayon to personally assess the situation and provide guidance and help doon sa mga nangangailangan,” Alejandro said.
He added that Cabinet officials and major response agencies were also on the ground to support continuing relief, rescue, and recovery operations.