General santos: The death toll from a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit southern the Philippines has risen to at least 55 as search and rescue operations face challenges. Heavy rain and more than 3,800 aftershocks have been hindering efforts, causing temporary halts to the rescue missions.

According to Thai News Agency, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of the Philippines reported that rescue workers have discovered eight more bodies in General Santos City on Mindanao Island, increasing the death toll to 55 since the earthquake struck on June 8. The number of injured individuals has risen to 1,120, with at least 32 people still missing. Rescue workers acknowledge the diminishing hope of finding survivors as time passes. The earthquake has displaced over 45,000 people and affected more than 390,000. Additionally, over 19,000 homes have been damaged, and 45 other incidents, including landslides, have been reported.

The head of disaster relief in Sarangani province mentioned that efforts to clear large rocks and landslides using backhoes have been intermittently stalled due to heavy rain and the frequent aftershocks, some measuring as high as 6.4 on the Richter scale. Despite clearing many blocked roads, villages remain isolated and without electricity, relying on food and water supplies delivered by helicopter. General Santos International Airport is still closed to commercial flights, allowing only relief and military missions.

Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited General Santos to inspect the damage and announced an initial relief fund of 100 million pesos to aid in rebuilding the town hall and restoring damaged schools.