MANILA – The disaster risk reduction teams (DRRTs) and vessels of the Philippine Navy are ready for deployment to assist in response operations in quake-hit Masbate province.
Navy public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said Thursday one patrol boat is moored at the Masbate City Port.
"Through Naval Forces Southern, our DRRTs are on standby for deployment. Same thing with our vessel, which is now on alert," she said.
On Tuesday, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake jolted Masbate and nearby provinces, with the epicenter recorded 7 kilometers southeast of the municipality of Cataingan.
The initial damage assessment on roads and public buildings in Masbate caused by the earthquake has reached PHP24 million, the Office of Civil Defense regional office in Bicol (OCD-5) earlier said.
As of Wednesday, the number of injuries has reached 48, according to the OCD-5. In its situation report, the wounded individuals were from the towns of Cataingan (18), Palanas (27), Pio V. Corpuz (two), and Uson (one).
As per the latest report of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office, affected are roads, bridges, buildings, public markets and ports, and 19 schools.
Likewise, 26 houses were totally damaged while 35 were partially damaged.
The quake also killed a retired police officer who was trapped inside his house after it collapsed. (PNA)
