Aquino Expresses Deep Concern For Quake-Hit Negros, Death Toll Climbs To 15

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III is deeply concerned about those affected by yesterday’s 6.9 magnitude earthquake, and is appealing for calm and cooperation.

AsianScientist (Feb. 7, 2012) – Philippine President Benigno Aquino III is deeply concerned about those affected by yesterday’s 6.9 magnitude earthquake, says the Official Gazette of the Philippines, and is appealing for calm and cooperation.

As of 12:30 AM (PHT) today, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported 15 fatalities, 52 injured persons, and 29 missing individuals in the Visayas.

The armed forces, national police, and navy have initiated search and rescue operations, while quick response teams and at least 2,000 family packs are ready on standby.

Clearing and re-routing of roads and bridges are being carried out by the Department of Public Works and Highways, and energy is being restored to affected areas.

Coastal communities in Negros Oriental and Cebu will be alerted about any sea level changes due to aftershocks. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has recorded more than a thousand aftershocks since the initial quake, including a magnitude 6.2 aftershock at 6:10 PM (PHT) on Monday.

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Source: Official Gazette of the Philippines.
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