MINDANAO QUAKE DEATH TOLL RISES TO 7

CTTO

THE magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao late Friday afternoon has left at least seven people dead, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Saturday.

The NDRRMC is validating reports that one died in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental; one in Malapatan, Sarangani; two in Glan, Sarangani; and three in General Santos City.

Among the fatalities were Danny Ginung, 26, and his wife, Jane, 18, of Bgy. Sinawal in General Santos City.

The couple died when a concrete wall collapsed on their shanty when the tremor struck.

The NDRRMC also said two are missing in Glan town and two were injured in General Santos City.

According to the Agency, some 450 persons were given medical care due to hyperventilation and panic from Davao Region and Soccsksargen.

The quake also damaged a total of 32 infrastructures in Davao City, Davao Occidental, Davao del Sur, General Santos, South Cotabato and Sarangani.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has directed concerned government agencies to provide immediate assistance to the earthquake victims

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) yesterday assured families and individuals affected by the deadly quake of timely assistance in the form of cash, food and non-food items.

DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said the agency is currently assessing the situation in the hard-hit regions, through its Regional Field Offices (FOs) and other government agencies, to identify the needs of the affected individuals, including the families of those who were killed or injured.

He said the DSWD has P1.43 billion worth of food and non-food items readily available, including P29.16 million quick response fund, that field offices may tap immediately.

The 6.8 magnitude tremor, which was tectonic in origin, hit the waters off Sarangani, Davao Occidental around 4:14 p.m. Friday.

The quake was initially registered at magnitude 7.2.

Phivolcs said damages and aftershocks are expected, but assured there was no tsunami threat from the said earthquake.