NDRRMC: Number of people who died in two Mindanao quakes reaches 16

The number of people who died in the magnitude 6.6 and 6.5 earthquakes, which struck parts of Mindanao on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively, has reached 16, data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed Friday.

In its latest situation report, the NDRRMC said that of the 16 fatalities, three came from Region XI while the remaining 13 were from Region XII.

On Thursday night, 14 fatalities had been identified by the council:

Davao del Sur

• Jessie Riel Parba (previously reported as Jesriel Pabra)
• Benita B. Saban
• Romulo Naraga

South Cotabato

• Nestor Narciso

Cotabato

• Samuel Linao Andy (previously reported as Angel Andy)
• Renee Corpuz (previously reported as Rene Boy Andy)
• Marichelle Morla
• Patricio Lumayon
• Pao Zailon Abdulah
• Isidro Gomez
• Cesar Bangot
• Romel Galicia
• Precilla Verona
• Juve Gabriel Jauod

According to the NDRRMC, the number of wounded individuals has reached 403. Of that number, 14 were from Region X, 16 from Region XI, 373 from Region XII and one from BARMM.

The council added that two individuals from Region XI had gone missing.

Meanwhile, a total of 3,220 infrastructures in Regions IX, X, XI, XII and BARMM have been damaged by the strong tremors. The number includes 2,617 houses, 513 schools, 20 health facilities, 30 other public structures, six places of worship, 26 private and commercial establishments, and eight roads and bridges.

The two earthquakes have affected a total of 6,009 families or 30,045 persons in 72 barangays in Regions XI and XII. From that number, 2,552 families or 12,760 individuals are taking temporary shelter in 19 evacuation centers while the remaining 1,370 families or 6,850 persons are being served outside evacuation centers.

At least three strong earthquakes had hit Mindanao region this October. On October 16, six people have been confirmed dead while 93 others were injured after the magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Mindanao region.

Last Tuesday, October 29, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake,which was tectonic in origin, jolted Tulunan, North Cotabato. Two days later, a magnitude 6.5 quake hit again some areas in Mindanao, which resulted in the collapse of a hotel in Kidapawan City and a portion of condominium in Davao City.

The PHIVOLCS warned that the region could still experience an earthquake of similar magnitude until the end of the year.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered local government units for the inspection of the structural integrity of the buildings to ensure the safety of the public. — RSJ, GMA News