Philippines: Death toll from Negros and Cebu earthquake rises to 48 dead and 92 missing

Manila – The death toll from the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck the islands of Negros and Cebu (Central Philippines) on 6 February has risen to 48 dead and 92 missing. In the eastern part of the island the quake destroyed dozens of towns and villages. Hundreds of people are buried under the rubble. Alvin Futalan, head of the Guihulngan police (100 thousand inhabitants), explains that there are in the hundreds of collapsed buildings in the towns and people are digging with their bare hands. The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (Ndrrmc) has recorded over 700 aftershocks, that two days after the earthquake are causing landslides, blocking rescue teams and the arrival of humanitarian aid.

Sister Mapet spokesperson for Caritas Philippines (National Secretariat of Social Action, Nassa), told AsiaNews that "to help the earthquake survivors, the parishes of the Diocese of Dumaguete and San Carlos (Negros Island, central Philippines) are using up stocks, that are running out. "

The nun says that the situation is dramatic. The earthquake has made roads impassable, five bridges have collapsed and another five can only carry light vehicles or on people foot. "The parishes - says Sr. Mapet - have opened churches, chapels and schools to accommodate the hundreds of displaced families and organized collections of food, blankets and clothes among the parishioners not affected by the earthquake. We are still waiting for the aid requested from Caritas International and the government. " (Sc)