Death toll from Philippine quake rises to 55, search continues for 38 missing

A "help" sign is pictured at an earthquake-affected community in Sarangani Province, the Philippines, June 11, 2026. At least 55 people were killed, 38 missing and 1,120 injured after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mindanao, the Philippines, on Monday, said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Friday. According to the NDRRMC, the disaster affected more than 86,000 families involving over 390,000 people. Some 19,000 houses were damaged, and power supplies in 48 cities and municipalities were disrupted. (Xinhua)

MANILA, June 12 (Xinhua) -- At least 55 people were killed, 38 missing and 1,120 injured after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mindanao, the Philippines, on Monday, said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Friday.

According to the NDRRMC, the disaster affected more than 86,000 families involving over 390,000 people. Some 19,000 houses were damaged, and power supplies in 48 cities and municipalities were disrupted.

Roads, bridges, airports, and seaport facilities sustained damage and were hampered in their operations. General Santos International Airport can accommodate military and humanitarian assistance flights while remaining close to commercial flights.

A total of more than 3,700 personnel have been dispatched for search and rescue operations in hard-hit areas.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the tectonic earthquake occurred at 7:37 a.m. local time at a depth of 33 km, with the epicenter 32 km southwest of the coast of Maasim town in Sarangani province on Mindanao Island. The institute said it recorded more than 3,860 aftershocks from the major tremor.

The Philippines experiences frequent seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a zone of major tectonic plate boundaries known for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. ■

A drone photo taken on June 11, 2026 shows a residential building damaged by an earthquake in the municipality of Glan in Sarangani Province, the Philippines. At least 55 people were killed, 38 missing and 1,120 injured after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mindanao, the Philippines, on Monday, said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Friday.

According to the NDRRMC, the disaster affected more than 86,000 families involving over 390,000 people. Some 19,000 houses were damaged, and power supplies in 48 cities and municipalities were disrupted. (Xinhua)

Residents affected by an earthquake receive relief supplies in Sarangani Province, the Philippines, June 11, 2026. At least 55 people were killed, 38 missing and 1,120 injured after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mindanao, the Philippines, on Monday, said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Friday.

According to the NDRRMC, the disaster affected more than 86,000 families involving over 390,000 people. Some 19,000 houses were damaged, and power supplies in 48 cities and municipalities were disrupted. (Xinhua)

Staff members and volunteers distribute relief supplies to residents affected by an earthquake near a temporary shelter in Sarangani Province, the Philippines, June 11, 2026. At least 55 people were killed, 38 missing and 1,120 injured after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mindanao, the Philippines, on Monday, said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Friday.

According to the NDRRMC, the disaster affected more than 86,000 families involving over 390,000 people. Some 19,000 houses were damaged, and power supplies in 48 cities and municipalities were disrupted. (Xinhua)

People riding motorcycles pass by a damaged road in Sarangani Province, the Philippines, June 11, 2026. At least 55 people were killed, 38 missing and 1,120 injured after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mindanao, the Philippines, on Monday, said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Friday.

According to the NDRRMC, the disaster affected more than 86,000 families involving over 390,000 people. Some 19,000 houses were damaged, and power supplies in 48 cities and municipalities were disrupted. (Xinhua)

Residents affected by an earthquake fetch water near a temporary shelter in Sarangani Province, the Philippines, June 11, 2026. At least 55 people were killed, 38 missing and 1,120 injured after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mindanao, the Philippines, on Monday, said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Friday.

According to the NDRRMC, the disaster affected more than 86,000 families involving over 390,000 people. Some 19,000 houses were damaged, and power supplies in 48 cities and municipalities were disrupted. (Xinhua)

People riding a motorcycle pass by a damaged road in Sarangani Province, the Philippines, June 11, 2026. At least 55 people were killed, 38 missing and 1,120 injured after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mindanao, the Philippines, on Monday, said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Friday.

According to the NDRRMC, the disaster affected more than 86,000 families involving over 390,000 people. Some 19,000 houses were damaged, and power supplies in 48 cities and municipalities were disrupted. (Xinhua)