A powerful earthquake has torn through the southern Philippines, leaving a trail of destruction and at least 35 confirmed dead. The quake, which struck early this morning near the island of Mindanao, sent buildings crashing down and triggered landslides that buried whole communities. Sources on the ground report the death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams dig through the rubble.
The military has been mobilised, but relief efforts are being hampered by damaged roads and aftershocks. This is a region already scarred by conflict and poverty. Now nature has added its own brutal insult.
The government is calling for international aid, but as always, the question is who will answer and how quickly the money will actually reach those who need it.
