More nations send condolences to Cebu earthquake victims

As the Philippines continues its emergency response operations following the magnitude-6.9 earthquake that jolted northern Cebu, more countries have expressed condolences to the victims of the tragedy that killed at least 72 people.

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru sent a message of condolences to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Japan's embassy in Manila said Thursday.

"I am deeply saddened and worried to learn the news that many precious lives were lost and serious damages were brought in the vast areas of central Philippines due to the earthquake offshore of Cebu Province," Ishiba said.

"On behalf of the Japanese government and people, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and express my sympathy to their families and those who were affected. Japan always stands with the Philippines in overcoming this time of difficulties."

Meanwhile, Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi conveyed his condolences in a statement on October 1 to his Philippine counterpart, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro.

"I am deeply saddened to learn the news that precious lives were lost, and serious damages were brought by the earthquake that struck central Philippines. I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and express my sympathy to their families," Iwaya said.

"I sincerely pray for the speedy recovery of the affected people as well as the prompt restoration on the affected areas."

The Chinese embassy in Manila also extended its sympathies to those affected by the earthquake that struck northern Cebu on Tuesday, which caused heavy damage mainly in Bogo City and nearby areas of Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remegio, and Tabuela.

"Our deepest condolences to the victims, and our hearts [go out to] the families affected by the earthquake in Cebu. Chinese always stand with Filipino brothers and sisters in times of calamity. We hope and believe they will rise above difficulties and recover soon," the embassy said.

For its part, France said it "stands alongside the Philippines and expresses its full solidarity with the authorities and the population" as it extended its condolences to the victims. 

Switzerland, meanwhile, said it "stands in solidarity" with the Filipino people in the wake of the disaster. It expressed hope for the swift recovery of affected communities as it commended efforts by first responders and local authorities to provide assistance and relief.

"The Embassy of Switzerland extends its heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the recent earthquake in Cebu. We also convey our sympathies to all those injured and displaced by this tragedy," the Swiss embassy said in a statement on Thursday.

The Saudi Arabian embassy also sent its condolences to the Philippine government and Filipinos following the earthquake.

It expressed "the Kingdom’s solidarity with the Philippines during this difficult time, while extending wishes for the swift recovery of the injured and the safe return of those missing to their families."

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the earthquake in Bogo City is the strongest ever recorded in northern Cebu. It has affected 47,221 families and displaced 20,000 individuals, Philippine officials said.

The United States earlier said it is ready to provide assistance to Philippine government's relief efforts. 

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected. We stand ready to support the Philippine government's response as friends, partners, allies," US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said.

Washington said life-saving assistance, such as disaster response, is a priority in the Philippines under its new foreign assistance program. — VDV, GMA Integrated News