Office of Civil Defence

Philippines Earthquake: Disaster Drills Credited with Lowering Casualties

A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines, killing 46 and leaving 38 missing. Officials credit years of disaster-preparedness drills for preventing a higher death toll, noting that timely evacuations and education on earthquake response played a crucial role. The quake also injured 688 and displaced over 45,000, damaging thousands of homes.