World Vision has mobilised assessment teams to check damage and see if relief aid is required, following a 6.9 magnitude earthquake in the central Philippines yesterday.

The earthquake struck off the coast of Negros Island, the Philippines’ third largest island, generating a local tsunami alert, which has since been withdrawn.  Death toll from the earthquake is 43, with many people killed by landslides.

“Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, the eastern part of the Negros Island seems to be the hardest hit. Many bridges were damaged and impassable, water supply lines and power are down. The military has been deployed for search and rescue operation while the police force has been dispatched to uphold security in the city. Drinking water, tents and food are the key needs.  Meanwhile, other towns of Tyasan, Jimalalud and Libertad are being assessed for other casualties and damages,” said Geoff Lamigo, World Vision Philippines Communications Manager.

Local non-government organisation staff and volunteers mobilised by World Vision are on standby to access areas on Negros Island and Cebu.  Aid workers reported seeing scenes of mass evacuations and terror as a triple earthquake and a local tsunami alert rattled populated areas of Negros.

Negros Oriental is also one of the provinces along the destructive path of Typhoon Washi, December last year.  The state of calamity declaration brought by the typhoon in the province is still in effect.

World Vision Philippines project staff based in the city of Cebu, east of Negros Island said people were forced to evacuate their homes and offices when the buildings began to violently shake.  In seaside Cebu City and its downtown areas, widespread panic ruled the streets as offices and classes were halted causing traffic congestion earlier today.

Residents have started returning to their homes while communities were advised to inspect their housing structures for possible damage.  Many homes are constructed from simple wood and brick building materials and are not resistant to major earthquakes.

At least three aftershocks were felt last night. More aftershocks are expected to hit throughout the week according to seismology experts. Forty-two aftershocks were registered since the quake hit. Cebu and nearby provinces in Western Visayas have also experienced tremors.

World Vision has operated in the Philippines since 1957 and has projects and programmes in Cebu and Negros Islands.  Aside from long-term development work, World Vision responds to disasters and has trained aid workers who are dispatched when major events strike.

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