At least 72 people were reported dead in Cebu after a deadly 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the province, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Thursday, October 2.
The earthquake struck on Monday night, causing extensive damage to local infrastructure and leaving many casualties. The entire province of Cebu has been placed under a state of calamity, with several localities also declaring the same. The NDRRMC said that 53 cities and municipalities have declared a state of calamity.
Data from the NDRRMC showed that 72 people have died, while 294 were injured.
A total of 170,959 people have been affected, with 20,000 displaced.
The NDRRMC recorded at least two incidents of landslides and two collapsed structures. There was also a reported structural fire.
Almost 600 houses have been damaged, as well as 87 other infrastructure.
The province continues to be shaken by aftershocks. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) director Teresito Bacolcol told GMA that they have recorded around 2,329 aftershocks as of 4:00 a.m.
The magnitudes of the aftershocks have reached as high as magnitude 5.
Phivolcs warned the public of possible landslides and falling objects when they go out.
‘In case of another strongly felt earthquake, it is recommended that people protect themselves by doing the ‘drop, cover, and hold.’ In homes and offices, heavy furniture and appliances should be strapped to the walls, and hanging objects securely fastened to avoid causing injuries,’ the agency said in a statement.