The toll from the very powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the southern Philippines on Monday grew heavier today, reaching 46 dead, while rescue crews continue to search for missing people in collapsed building debris.
The earthquake, which occurred in the sea off the coast of Mindanao Island, resulted in the collapse of buildings and landslides in many areas.
The Philippine disaster response agency said 45 people were dead and added that it was still searching for 17 people who remain missing.
But her count does not take into account the bodies counted by the civil defense. According to this latest one, Joey Deluvio, 39, was found dead in the wreckage.
Search and rescue operations continue despite the danger posed by the aftershocks.
Hundreds of aftershocks, both strong and less strong, have been recorded since the main one.
Most additional deaths occurred in West Davao province. Most died due to landslides and building collapses, according to statements made by Rafaelito Alejandro, a civil protection official, to a local radio station.
