Thousands homeless after earthquake in the Philippines

TT

Published 07.58

 

The earthquake in the Philippines on Monday night caused great devastation. Photo: AP/TT

At least 40 people have died and more than 20,000 have lost their homes after the powerful earthquake that hit the Philippines on Monday night.

Doctors have had to set up tents to treat patients on Tuesday. In the scorching sun, a young woman has given birth outdoors, among others.

The earthquake, with its 7.8 on the Richter scale, is the most powerful measured in the Philippines in 50 years and more than 20,000 people have been forced to leave their homes. In total, at least 41 people have died and about 450 people have been injured.

– Aftershocks are still occurring, so rescue workers are very cautious. It's a challenge, says regional civil defense chief Rodrigo Sosmena.

Some communities are expected to be cut off for at least a week due to damage to roads and bridges.