A mayor in a southern Philippine town has urgently appealed for helicopter support to deliver food and essential supplies to quake-hit, landslide-isolated villages as thousands of residents face worsening shortages following a powerful earthquake that struck earlier this week. The disaster has severely disrupted access to remote communities, raising concerns over hunger and humanitarian conditions. The 7.8-magnitude offshore earthquake struck on Monday near the southern province of Sarangani, making it one of the strongest tremors to hit the Philippine archipelago in decades.

According to official figures, at least 47 people have been killed, 688 injured, and 31 remain missing as rescue and recovery operations continue across affected regions. Authorities said more than 45,000 people have been displaced, with nearly half taking shelter in emergency evacuation centres. The quake has also caused widespread structural damage, destroying more than 12,600 homes across farming towns and coastal communities, leaving many families without access to basic necessities.

In Sarangani province, which reported the highest death toll of 20, many casualties were linked to a landslide that buried houses in the coastal town of Glan. Officials from the Office of Civil Defense said ongoing aftershocks and damaged infrastructure have made it difficult for residents to return home or for aid teams to reach several affected areas. Glan Mayor Victor James Yap said that 10 out of 31 villages in the municipality remain inaccessible, largely due to landslides and blocked roads.

Also Read: Philippines Quake Death Toll Rises; Survivors Recall Violent Tremors

He noted that power has still not been restored in several areas, further complicating relief operations and communication with isolated communities. Appealing for immediate assistance, Yap urged authorities to deploy air force helicopters to deliver food, water, and emergency supplies. He warned that residents in cut-off villages are already facing severe shortages, stressing that aerial delivery may be the only viable option to prevent worsening hunger as ground access remains severely limited.

Also Read: Philippines Earthquake: Residents Flee in Panic as Buildings Collapse and Tsunami Alerts Follow