Philippines: Earthquake on Mindanao kills at least one December 15 /update 2

Event

Officials confirmed at least one fatality on Mindanao as of Sunday evening (local time), December 15, after a 6.8-magnitdue earthquake struck the area earlier on the day. Police said one person was killed in the town of Matanao (Davao del Sur province) after a wall collapsed due to the tremors. In Padada (Davao del Sur province), a three-story building collapsed during the quake, trapping an unspecified number of people inside. Rescue and recovery operations are ongoing, and casualty figures may be updated as more information is received.

Details regarding the extent of the damage are still emerging; significant transportation, business, and power disruptions are expected in the coming hours and days. More aftershocks are possible in the affected area in the immediate term. 

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas 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.