Death Toll Rises to Six in Philippines Earthquake; Search for Missing Underway

The death toll from the magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck southern Philippines has risen to six, with two others reported missing, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. The quake, which hit the southern Mindanao region, resulted in at least 450 people requiring medical care.

The offshore earthquake occurred at a depth of 72 km, about 34 km northwest of Sarangani town in Davao Occidental province. The tremor damaged buildings and houses, and aftershocks continued to shake the region. The Philippines, located along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” experiences frequent seismic activities. Authorities are assessing the casualties and damage caused by the earthquake, and search efforts for the missing individuals are underway.