MANILA, Feb 10: On February 10, the Philippines' Mindanao region was jolted by a magnitude 5.6 earthquake, as reported by the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). The quake, with a depth of 10km, rattled areas across the region, prompting concerns about potential damage and aftershocks.

However, the Philippine seismology agency offered a different assessment, pegging the earthquake at a magnitude 5.9 with a deeper depth of 27km. Despite the variance in measurements, both agencies underscored the need for vigilance in the affected areas.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, rescue operations in Maco town, within the southern province of Davao de Oro, faced disruptions. These operations were aimed at locating numerous individuals still missing following a devastating landslide that occurred earlier. The quake forced authorities to temporarily halt their efforts, exacerbating an already dire situation.

The epicenter of the earthquake was approximately 150km north of the landslide site, where rescue workers continue to grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy. The landslide, which struck on February 6 near a gold mining site, has claimed the lives of 28 individuals, with 77 still unaccounted for and 32 others injured.

Despite the challenges, there have been glimmers of hope amidst the devastation. On February 9, a remarkable rescue took place as a 3-year-old girl was pulled from the rubble after enduring 60 hours trapped beneath the debris, offering a moment of relief amidst the ongoing crisis.

The recent spate of torrential rains in Davao de Oro has compounded the region's woes, triggering floods and landslides. The situation remains precarious as authorities work tirelessly to address the immediate needs of affected communities and mitigate further risks posed by the relentless inclement weather.