EIGHT people have been confirmed dead and one is missing after twin earthquakes struck Batanes early Saturday morning, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Sunday, July 28, 2019.
The agency also said 63 people were injured, particularly in Itbayat where the 5.4 and 5.9 magnitude earthquakes were centered.
The injured victims were all brought to Itbayat District Hospital for treatment.
A report from the regional police identified the fatalities as Genward Mina, Eva, Mary Rose and Fiona Valiente, Teresita Gulaga, Fausta Caan, Tito Asa and a still unidentified five-day old baby.
The NDRRMC said 911 families, or 2,963 persons, from five villages of Itbayat were affected by the earthquake.
They are currently staying at the public market of Barangay San Rafael.
At least 15 houses, two schools and two health facilities were damaged.
Police have intensified security operations to maintain peace and order in the province.
The residents have also been alerted to possible aftershocks and tsunami.
The first quake, with a magnitude of 5.4 and a depth of 12 kilometers, struck at 4:16 a.m. Saturday, July 27.
The second quake, with a magnitude of 5.9 and a depth of only 7.0 kilometers, rocked the island at 7:37 a.m. Saturday.
As of Sunday, Phivolcs seismology division analyst John Lery Deximo said 180 aftershocks have occurred.
Of these, 11 were felt while 26 were dotted which means the epicenter was identified.
The aftershocks ranged from 2.2 to 5.9 magnitude, he said.
Earlier, Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Renato Solidum ruled out the possible occurrence of tsunami but said aftershocks should be expected.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said they have stockpiles and standby funds amounting to P1.97 billion, which includes family food packs and non-food items.
The NDRRMC said concerned government agencies are coordinating for the provision of proper assistance to the affected population.
Meanwhile, Cagayan Valley Police Regional Director Jose Mario Espino said all PNP units in the province have been directed to activate search and rescue teams to provide assistance in the affected areas.
He said they already coordinated with the Tuguegarao Airport for rapid deployment of personnel and equipment to the area.
President Rodrigo Duterte will depart Davao for Batanes at around 10:30 a.m. Sunday to visit the affected residents and oversee rehabilitation efforts.
"The President is expected to visit the people of Batanes today, assess the extent of damage in the province and initiate the rebuilding of one of the most treasured destinations of the country," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
Duterte earlier ordered all concerned government agencies to assist the victims of the earthquakes. (SunStar Philippines)