Strong earthquakes leave 21 people dead, 20 929 buildings destroyed in Mindanao, Philippines

At least 21 people have been killed, 331 were injured and 2 remain missing after several powerful earthquakes and thousands of aftershocks hit Mindanao, Philippines since October 16, 2019.

The first strong quake struck North Cotabato at 11:37 UTC on October 16. It measured M6.3 on the Richter scale, according to the PHIVOLCS.

The second strong quake, measuring M6.6, hit the same area on October 29 at a depth of 7 km (4.3 miles) and was followed by M6.5 on October 31 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).

These quakes, as well as thousands of aftershocks, are considered part of a sequence of events from interrelated faults in the region.

According to NDRRMC report issued 18:00 LT on November 2, a total of 147 395 people were affected in 149 barangays in Regions XI and XII. Of those, 1 285 are taking temporary shelter in 28 evacuation centers.

The center confirmed 21 deaths, 331 people injured and 2 missing. Most of the deaths occurred in Cotabato (15), 3 in Davao del Sur, 2 in South Cotabato and 1 in Sultan Kudarat.

A total of 28 224 buildings were damaged in Regions IX, X, XI, XII and BARMM. Of those, total damage was reported on 20 929 buildings.

Most of the destroyed buildings are houses (20 921). 2 schools were totally destroyed and 6 429 partially.

Due to the magnitude of these events, small to moderate-sized earthquakes are expected to occur in the epicentral area and may continue for several days to weeks, some of which may be felt, NDRRMC said.

Featured image credit: USGS