Mindanao, Philippines, experienced a magnitude 5.6 earthquake on Saturday, according to reports from the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). However, the Philippine seismology agency provided a slightly different assessment, citing a magnitude 5.9 quake with a depth of 27 km (16.8 miles). Despite the variance in readings, both agencies emphasized the potential for aftershocks but expected minimal damage.
The earthquake disrupted ongoing rescue efforts in Maco town, within the southern Philippines province of Davao de Oro, where search teams were scouring for dozens of individuals missing following a landslide. Authorities had to halt operations due to safety concerns prompted by the seismic activity.
The landslide, which occurred earlier in the week near a gold mining site, has already claimed 28 lives, with 77 individuals still unaccounted for and 32 injured. Among the injured is a miraculous survivor—a 3-year-old girl rescued on Friday after spending 60 hours trapped beneath rubble. The region has been battered by torrential rains in recent weeks, leading to widespread flooding and triggering multiple landslides.
The devastating toll of the landslide and the subsequent earthquake underscores the ongoing challenges faced by communities in Davao de Oro. As rescue efforts continue and authorities assess the full extent of the damage caused by the earthquake, the region remains on high alert for further seismic activity and adverse weather conditions.
The resilience and solidarity of the local population, coupled with the concerted efforts of rescue teams and authorities, are essential in navigating through this challenging period and facilitating the recovery process for affected communities.
Sources By Agencies
