The death toll in a powerful earthquake that struck the central Philippines late on Tuesday has risen to 72, with nearly 300 others injured.
Filipino seismologists report that the earthquake, which hit the Bogo area of Cebu province, was triggered by a shallow undersea fault line that has not moved for at least 400 years.
More than 170,000 people have been affected by the disaster. Many residents have refused to return home due to trauma and fear of aftershocks, officials said.
The earthquake caused significant damage in Bogo, a relatively new and progressive coastal city of about 90,000 people, as well as in surrounding towns. A total of 87 buildings and nearly 600 houses were damaged or destroyed. Additionally, bridges and concrete roads sustained damage, and a seaport collapsed.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. flew to Bogo on Thursday to assess the damage, provide aid to survivors, and mourn with the families of the victims.
Bryan Sinangote, a 49-year-old driver, was watching a basketball game with fewer than 100 spectators in San Remigio town, just outside Bogo, when the quake struck. He recalled that everyone froze at first, but when the shaking became intense, they panicked and dashed out of the gym.
A ceiling collapsed during the quake, killing three coast guard personnel and a firefighter. Mr. Sinangote said he tried to roll away but was partly trapped, suffering injuries to his face and arm.
“It’s heartbreaking to hear what happened to Bogo city,” Mr. Sinangote said. “Filipinos have no option but to learn to live side by side with calamities. After Typhoon Haiyan destroyed my house, I rebuilt it in one year. We just have to be prepared for anything.”
https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/earthquake-death-toll-rises-to-72-in-the-philippines-1813779.html