More than 1.1 million people have been affected by the twin magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 earthquakes that struck Davao Oriental on October 10, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
In its latest situational report released Wednesday morning, the NDRRMC said 256,036 families, or 1,124,611 individuals, across Davao Region and Caraga have been impacted by the tremors and subsequent aftershocks.
Of this number, 748 families (2,903 individuals) are currently staying in nine evacuation centers, while 52 families (192 individuals) have sought refuge outside evacuation sites, staying with relatives or friends.
Region 11—covering Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and neighboring provinces—accounts for the bulk of the affected population, with 197,119 families or 914,221 people impacted. Caraga Region reported 58,917 families or 210,390 persons affected.
The earthquakes, which struck hours apart on October 10, triggered tsunami warnings and forced mass evacuations along coastal towns. NDRRMC reported that 12,916 families, or 32,058 persons, were preemptively evacuated as a precautionary measure.
So far, eight people have died and 196 others were injured due to the quakes. No missing persons have been reported. But according to Office of Civil Defense Spokesperson Junie Castillo, one body was recovered on Tuesday, whose cause of death remains under validation.
“Last night, we had eight reported fatalities in the Davao Region. But early this morning, one additional death was recorded. So, as of noontime, the number of deaths that are still subject for validation has already reached nine,” Castillo said.
Authorities continue to verify the reported figures amid ongoing field assessments and humanitarian operations. Relief agencies have distributed over ₱57.7 million worth of assistance to affected families thus far, according to the NDRRMC.
More than 10,900 houses were damaged, along with 392 infrastructure facilities, while 11 cities and municipalities in Davao Region have been placed under a state of calamity.
The NDRRMC assured that government agencies are coordinating with local disaster councils to fast-track aid delivery, debris clearing, and restoration of power, water, and communication lines in quake-hit areas.
