Deadly Philippine Quake Hits Visayas, Death Toll Rising as Rescue Efforts Continues

This is another tragedy that hits the Visayas region. The 6.9 magnitude quake that struck heavily populated provinces of Negros and Cebu on Monday resulted to landslides, infrastructure damages and claimed the lives of at least 52 people. But authorities say that the number is increasing as search and rescue operations started today. There were also at least 29 people went missing after the quake. Most of them were believed to be trapped in landslides in Guihulngan, a coastal city of 100,000 people in Negros where the epicenter is recorded.

As of Tuesday, Phivolcs recorded 745 aftershocks and authorities said that this will continue in the next few days. The highest recorded aftershock is 6.2 at around 6 in the afternoon yesterday. Though they assured the public that aftershocks will not result to a 6.5 magnitude earthquake but residents are still worried about thier safety. A tsunami warning (alert 2) was issued yesterday but coastal residents were allowed to return to their homes in the afternoon.

A barangay in Guihulngan City, Barangay Planas, suffered the most where 30 houses were buried in the earthquake- triggered landslides. Most of the reported casualties came from that barangay. Several casualties were also reported in Tayasan town. These are the areas nearest to the epicenter of the quake.

Some updates on the damages caused by the earthquake:
- there were 8 bridges that collapsed in Negros Oriental
- roads to mountainous areas remain unpassable
- telecomunication facilities were cut off but normal operation is expected today
- there are still some areas where with no electricity and water supply
- some areas are still isolated
- search and rescue operations is on-going in the landslide stricken villages

According to experts, the quake that hit several provinces in the Visayas was not yet included in their mapping. The fault line is new. Experts were already sent to Negros.




Pictures and Videos of the Earthquake in Negros Oriental and Cebu: