The death toll in the Cebu earthquake has risen to 72, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). Three new cases were added since last night. To date, more than 294 people have been injured while official verification of the data is still underway.
According to OCD Region 7 Director Joel Erestain, no missing persons were reported, but excavation of collapsed buildings is ongoing. The magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Bogo City has already affected 47,221 families or nearly 171,000 people. An estimated 20,000 residents were forced to evacuate.
Since the earthquake struck on Tuesday, PHIVOLCS has recorded more than 2,400 aftershocks, with the strongest being a magnitude 5 felt at around 10:46 p.m. on Wednesday. According to PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, aftershocks may continue for several weeks, but they will gradually weaken.
Authorities advised the public to not return to homes with cracks or obvious structural weaknesses until they have been inspected by city or municipal engineers. These buildings could collapse if hit by another strong aftershock.
PHIVOLCS considers this the strongest earthquake in the history of Northern Cebu, with Intensity VII in Bogo City, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remegio, and Tabuelan.
