Toll in Philippine earthquakes climbs to 21

MANILA: The death toll in two powerful quakes that struck the southern Philippines in the past week has risen to 21, authorities said Sunday (Nov 3), as survivors struggled to access food and water.

The 6.6-magnitude and 6.5-magnitude quakes hit the island of Mindanao two days apart, destroying buildings and displacing tens of thousands of residents.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Some villagers staying under tents near a highway were begging for help from passing motorists, carrying placards asking for food and water, TV footage showed.

Rescuers had found more bodies, many crushed by falling debris and landslides caused by the violent shaking, the national disaster council said.

The quakes also left 432 residents injured with two people still missing, it added.

Thursday's big quake was the third since mid-October in the Mindanao region, which makes up a third of the Philippines.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Temporary shelters have been set up to house more than 20,000 displaced individuals – many already there since the first quake struck on Oct 16, leaving seven people dead.

On Sunday, rescuers contRead More – Source