Earthquake in the Philippines

Hospital buildings at risk of collapse – woman gave birth outdoors

Several hospitals in the Philippines have chosen to provide care to patients outdoors instead due to fears that the hospital buildings are unstable after the powerful earthquake. A woman gave birth outside the hospital in General Santos, one of the cities hardest hit, reports AFP.

Another hospital outside General Santos also chose to move 60 patients outdoors for safety reasons.

– The hospital suffered extensive damage, says an employee.

A total of 41 people are reported to have died in the powerful earthquake. Thousands of buildings have been destroyed and thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes.

41 dead after the earthquake – thousands displaced

The death toll after the powerful earthquake in the Philippines on Monday has risen to 41, writes AFP. Thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes and hundreds of people have been injured.

In Sarangani, one of the hardest-hit provinces, some areas can only be reached by helicopter.

“There are still aftershocks, so rescue workers are working very carefully,” said civil defense chief Rodrigo Sosmena.