Manila, Oct. 15 -- The number of families affected by the Oct. 10 twin earthquakes that hit Manay, Davao Oriental and nearby areas continues to increase based on official government tally.

From 200,914 on Tuesday, the number ballooned to 256,036 families on Wednesday, equivalent to 1,124,611 individuals, according to the latest report by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The affected families are from 491 barangays in Region 11 (Davao Region) and Caraga.

As of Wednesday afternoon, 748 families are receiving assistance in nine evacuation centers while 52 are being aided elsewhere.

The NDRRMC said it is still validating eight deaths, all in Davao Region. On the other hand, 23 of the 73 reported injure...