A total of more than 500,000 people have been affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Maasim, Sarangani on June 8, while government assistance distributed to affected communities has already exceeded P84 million.

According to the latest report from the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) Report No. 9, released at 6 p.m. on Friday, a total of 137,081 families, or 553,068 individuals, from 401 barangays across Regions IX, XI, XII, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have been affected by the powerful earthquake.

DSWD data showed that 2,131 families, or 9,393 individuals, are currently staying in 26 evacuation centers.

Meanwhile, 13,480 families, or 54,274 individuals, have sought temporary shelter with relatives and friends outside evacuation facilities.

Damage to residential properties in the affected areas continues to rise.

Authorities reported that 8,865 houses have been completely destroyed, while 36,691 others sustained partial damage as a result of the earthquake.

The DSWD also reported that the total value of humanitarian assistance provided by the national government, local government units, and partner agencies has reached P84.26 million for affected residents