Death toll from Philippines earthquake rises to 45

The death toll from a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in the southern Philippines has risen to 45 people.

According to local media, cited by Report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said 33 of the confirmed deaths were recorded in the Soccsksargen region and 12 in the Davao region.

Seventeen people are reported missing, while 487 others have been injured.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that 2,023 aftershocks had been recorded as of 7 a.m. Wednesday following the earthquake.

In addition, the disaster damaged 554 schools, more than 3,100 homes, 29 roads, 11 bridges, and over 100 government buildings.