Philippines Quake Death Toll Reaches 46 as Search Efforts Continue

Email:online@newsofbahrain.com

Manila : The death toll from a powerful earthquake that struck the southern Philippines has risen to 46 after rescuers recovered another body from the ruins of a collapsed supermarket, authorities said on Tuesday.

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake, which struck off the coast of Mindanao on June 8, caused widespread destruction across the region. Buildings collapsed, landslides were reported in several areas, and tsunami warnings were issued following the tremor.

Rescue teams on Tuesday recovered the body of 39 year old supermarket employee Joey Deluvio from the wreckage of a supermarket in General Santos City. The site had remained a major focus of search operations amid ongoing aftershocks.

According to rescuers, life-detection equipment had earlier picked up what appeared to be a weak pulse beneath the debris. However, when teams reached the location, they found Deluvio trapped between two beams with no signs of life.

Authorities said Deluvio's death was not yet included in the official national disaster agency count, which stood at 45 fatalities as of June 10. With the latest recovery, the overall death toll has climbed to 46.

Meanwhile, the number of people reported missing increased sharply from four to 17 as emergency crews continued search and recovery efforts in affected areas.

Pic Credit: AFP