The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) instructed local government units (LGUs) affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that shook several areas of Cebu province to ensure the continuity of their services.
The quake struck 19 kilometers northeast of Bogo City in Cebu province on Tuesday night.
‘LGUs are reminded to activate their contingency and public service continuity plans, conduct resource inventories, preposition emergency supplies, and coordinate with neighboring LGUs, national government agencies, and the private sector for humanitarian support,’ the DILG said in a statement on Wednesday morning.
The department also asked affected LGUs to evacuate communities and suspend small-scale mining operations in high-risk areas.
‘LGUs must ensure the structural safety of evacuation centers and public buildings, and utilize open spaces as temporary shelters where needed,’ the DILG stressed.
In a subsequent statement on Wednesday, the DILG announced that it had ordered its attached agencies, the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine National Police, to assist in the rescue efforts.
‘The DILG extends its sympathies to the families of those who died due to the earthquake in Cebu last night. We also pray for the quick recovery of the strength and health of the wounded.’
At least 26 were reported dead and 147 were reported injured due to the earthquake as of 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s latest situational report.
No casualties in Central Visayas jails – BJMP
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology – Central Visayas (BJMP 7) reported that there were no casualties among persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in jails across the region following the earthquake.
‘All persons deprived of liberty and personnel are safe and accounted for,’ the BJMP 7 said in a statement on Wednesday.
The jail bureau, however, did report that detainees and staff at its facilities in Bogo City and Medellin town were briefly evacuated before returning after confirming their safety.
Minor cracks were seen in both the Bogo City and Medellin jails, prompting the BJMP 7 to raise a red alert status over the two units.
‘The jails immediately activated Oplan Lindol, mobilized standby generators and solar lights, and placed all facilities under close monitoring,’ the BJMP explained./cb