Philippines Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 19; Search for 12 Missing Continues

Manila: The death toll from a powerful earthquake that struck the Philippines has climbed to 19, the country's disaster management authority confirmed, as rescue teams continue an intensive search for 12 people still unaccounted for.

The quake, which measured 7.8 on the Richter scale, triggered massive landslides and brought down buildings across affected areas, accounting for the majority of fatalities. More than 200 people have been injured and thousands left homeless. Roads and bridges have been destroyed at multiple locations, with power and communication lines completely severed across large parts of the disaster zone.

Tsunami waves of over one metre struck coastal areas in the wake of the earthquake. General Santos City bore the brunt of the disaster, with seven deaths and extensive building collapses reported there alone. Thousands of coastal residents were evacuated to safer locations following tsunami warnings. Tsunami alerts were also issued for neighbouring countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Japan.

General Santos International Airport was temporarily shut down and more than twelve domestic flights cancelled following the quake.

Rescue workers and military personnel have set up camp in the affected regions and are conducting round-the-clock operations to locate anyone still trapped beneath the rubble. The government has accelerated efforts to restore damaged infrastructure and deliver emergency aid and food supplies to the affected population.