President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has tasked all government agencies concerned to carry out necessary assistance to victims of a magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck Davao Oriental.
In a statement, Marcos said ‘We are now assessing the situation on the ground and ensuring that everyone is safe.’
‘I have directed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Office of Civil Defense, the Armed Forces, the Philippine Coast Guard, and all concerned agencies to immediately carry out evacuations in coastal areas, activate emergency communication lines, and coordinate closely with local governments,’ he also said.
Moreover, he said that search, rescue and relief operations are already being prepared and will be deployed as soon as it is safe to do so.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development is also pre-positioning food and non-food items, while the Department of Health is ready to provide emergency medical assistance.
‘To our kababayans (fellow citizens) in the affected regions, please stay alert and calm. Move to higher ground and stay away from the shore until authorities declare it safe. Follow all instructions from your local disaster councils and barangay officials. Your safety is our top priority,’ Marcos said.
‘We are working round the clock to ensure that help reaches everyone who needs it. Let us continue to look out for one another and pray for the safety of all our countrymen,’ he added.
The strong temblor struck off the coast of Davao Oriental at 9:43 a.m.
A tsunami warning was subsequently issued at several coastal provinces in Mindanao and the Visayas, including Davao Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Southern Leyte and Eastern Samar. /apl