Cebu earthquake death toll climbs to 69 — OCD

The reported death toll from the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Bogo City, Cebu on Tuesday has climbed to 69, the Office of Civil Defense reported Wednesday. 

In a public briefing, OCD officer-in-charge Bernardo Alejandro said about half of the fatalities were recorded in Bogo City. 

Here is the breakdown of casualties caused by the earthquake in Cebu:

• Bogo: 30
• Medellin: 10
• San Remigio: 22
• Sogod: 1
• Tabuelan: 1
• Tobogon: 5 

Alejandro said the reported casualties are subject to validation. 

Most of them died after being pinned down or hit by debris.

Alejandro also said concerned authorities are assessing structural damage in Cebu, particularly in schools and hospitals. 

He warned the public to avoid going back to their houses until authorities declare it is safe to do so.

Also in the public briefing, PHIVOLCS director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol reminded the public to leave landslide-prone areas since aftershocks are expected.  

Earlier today, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) logged 848 aftershocks following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake, of which only four were felt.

According to Alan Domingo’s Wednesday report on “24 Oras,” the earthquake has left 186 injured individuals as of 12:14 p.m.

They continue to arrive at the Bogo Provincial Hospital, which has reached full capacity.

Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro said incoming patients at the Bogo Provincial Hospital need to be transported to other hospitals, and physicians, such as surgeons and orthopedics, are needed to treat the victims.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), about 27,000 families are affected by the earthquake in Northern Cebu.

DSWD is distributing family food packs and ready-to-eat meals to the victims. 

The infrastructure damage left by the earthquake has reached P2 billion. —LDF, GMA Integrated News