MANILA, Philippines – The death toll in the aftermath of a magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Davao del Sur has reached seven, according to the latest report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
Specifically, three of the fatalities were recorded in Padada, Davao del Sur; one each from the towns of Matanao, Hagonoy, Magsaysay and one in Malita, Davao Occidental.
The agency, still, is verifying additional reports of casualties from various locations.
As of press time, 39 individuals were reported injured by the tragedy.
Meanwhile, at least 2,000 families or more than 9,000 individuals are temporarily taking shelter in 13 evacuation centers across the region.
Furthermore, 36 structures were damaged in Regions XI and XII including public buildings and schools.
“Dahil nagkaroon na naman ng panibagong earthquake, baka hindi na talaga kinaya nung building na sunud-sunod. Strong abuse na iyon from the earthquakes (Aftershocks are ongoing still so perhaps the buildings could no longer hold strong abuse from the earthquakes),” NDRRMC Spokesperson Mark Timbal said.
Timbal confirmed that the ground team leader decided to stop the rescue operations for now because of frequent aftershocks in consideration of the safety of the rescuers.
“We have to make sure that our rescue personnel is safe. Baka kasi (Because) if they are in the collapsed structure extricating (the victims) itong mga biktima, baka biglang magkaroon ng (there might be) additional collapse during aftershocks,” he noted.
The agency is also considering sending an augmentation team to the affected areas in Davao del Sur.
“Our rescue personnel on the ground ng local government ay doble-kayod na talaga sa pag-ayuda dun sa mga kababayan natin (are working extra hard to assist the victims),” Timbal said.
“So, what is happening now is we don’t want to abuse our rescuers by not allowing them to rest,” he added. – MNP (with details from Harlene Delgado)
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