MINDANAO, Philippines — Following the damage sustained by many structures and several establishments affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao yesterday, May 8, 2026.
Several hospitals in Mindanao also reported cracks in the walls of their facilities, prompting the evacuation of patients to temporary facilities.
Among them was the Malungon Sarangani Provincial Hospital, which evacuated 126 patients when the earthquake occurred.
Some critically ill patients are now gradually being transferred back inside the facilities.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), while the structural integrity of the buildings is still being assessed, some patients will remain in temporary health facilities.
The Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (PEMAT) of the DOH is currently assisting the province’s health workers.
The agency has also deployed trucks carrying medicines, Family First Aid Kits, and Emergency Medical Kits to various affected areas.
Health Department also assured the public that generator sets are available for hospitals and facilities experiencing power outages.
The agency further reported that most patients brought to hospitals suffered trauma and injuries, while psychosocial support has also been prepared for them.
EARTHQUAKE DEATH TOLL RISES TO 37, 487 INJURED AND 4 MISSING
In relation to the earthquake that struck a large part of Mindanao, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that the death toll has risen to 37, while 487 individuals were injured and 4 others remain missing.
Meanwhile, 19 roads and 9 bridges are still impassable at this time.
Authorities also recorded 1,889 damaged houses and 47 damaged infrastructure facilities, while classes remain suspended in four regions across Mindanao.
At present, the OCD is conducting retrieval and rescue operations for the four missing individuals from General Santos City and Balut Island.
A total of 44 evacuation centers are currently being used as temporary shelters for earthquake victims.