30 Oct 2019 | 04:21 AM UTC
Philippines: Recovery efforts continue on Mindanao October 30 /update 3
Officials confirm at least seven fatalities from the October 29 earthquake on Mindanao; recovery efforts ongoing on October 30
Event
Rescue and recovery operations are ongoing throughout central regions of Mindanao island on Wednesday, October 30, following a deadly earthquake on the previous day. Officials have confirmed at least seven fatalities and dozens of people were also injured. Deaths were recorded in Magsaysay (Davao del Sur province), Koronadal (South Cotabato province), and Tulunan (Cotabato province). The earthquake also triggered several landslides, collapsed buildings, and downed power lines in some areas. Local officials canceled classes in some parts of central Mindanao as a precaution on Wednesday. Damage assessments are still being conducted and further information is expected to be released in the coming hours and days.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has recorded over 200 aftershocks since Tuesday. A 5.0-magnitude quake occurred on Wednesday morning (local time) in Tulunan, along with a series of smaller earthquakes. Further aftershocks are possible in the coming hours and days.
Context
The initial 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck at approximately 09:04 on Tuesday about 25 km (15 mi) northeast of Tulunan.
Advice
Individuals in the affected area are advised to monitor the situation and prepare for potential aftershocks.
In the event of aftershocks, individuals are advised to protect themselves as much as possible from falling debris if indoors (e.g. under a table), move away from the windows, and not attempt to leave a building unless there is an immediate danger. If outdoors, move away from tall buildings, utility wires, and streetlights.
