Rescue teams race to recover victims after 7.8 quake flattens buildings in General Santos

Описание: Rescue teams supported by K9 units continued search and retrieval operations at a collapsed supermarket in General Santos City on Saturday, following a devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao.

Authorities stated that canine teams have detected the location of at least two bodies beneath the debris. However, access remains highly perilous due to extensive structural failure and unstable concrete slabs.

“We entered the compound together with our K9 unit, and it has been confirmed that the canine detected human remains,” Bureau of Fire Protection spokesperson FO3 Risamina Betoya said. “However, our search and rescue teams have not yet devised a strategy to penetrate the collapsed buildings because most of the beams have already given way.”

Rescuers described highly volatile conditions inside the site, where sections of the building have pancaked into dense layers of concrete and twisted steel.

“We are now planning to retrieve the two bodies that the K9 unit located earlier. It appears they are close to each other,” Betoya added.

Locals shared their profound sense of devastation and sudden loss following the tragedy.

“I cannot bear the feeling as a family member who has lost someone in the earthquake,” resident Carlene Mary S. Templonuevo said. “In just a matter of seconds, they were gone. It is a devastating and catastrophic event.”

According to the Office of Civil Defence (OCD), at least 37 people have been confirmed dead across Mindanao, including 13 in General Santos City. Four people remain missing, while at least 478 others have been reported injured. Officials warned the toll could rise as emergency operations continue.

(Viory)

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