PNP: Over 22,900 evacuated due to M7.8 Mindanao earthquake

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has monitored over 22,900 individuals who have evacuated due to the magnitude 7.8 tremor that rocked Mindanao.

In a statement, the PNP said the residents were sheltering in 37 occupied out of 1,705 evacuation centers prepared throughout the affected regions.

Further, the national police force tallied a total of six coordinated search, rescue and retrieval operations, rescuing at least 147 individuals and retrieving 15 bodies so far, as of 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

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READ: PNP: No major security incidents after magnitude 7.8 Mindanao earthquake

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The earthquake struck 32 kilometers southwest of Maasim, Sarangani at 7:37 a.m. on Monday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

The tremor’s effects left at least 37 people dead, Office of Civil Defense deputy spokesperson Diego Mariano told reporters in a text message as of Tuesday afternoon.

Nonetheless, no looting or security-related incidents have been recorded as of this writing, the PNP maintained, noting that it had deployed 2,488 police officers as part of the response efforts.

“We continue to be deployed in the affected regions to ensure the safety of everyone,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in the statement.

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“The PNP is here not only to respond to rescue efforts but also to ensure an orderly, safe and controlled situation while our coordinated response carries on,” he added. /das

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HELP MINDANAO EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

The Inquirer Foundation is calling for support for communities devastated by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao.

In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, the foundation is amplifying appeals for food, clean water and other critical assistance for affected families.

Donors may send contributions directly to the Philippine Red Cross through its official transfer channels, the complete list is available on the PRC’s Facebook page.

The Philippine Red Cross has activated its emergency fund campaign and deployed teams on the ground to provide medical services, distribute relief goods and extend psychosocial support to affected families.