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Philippines

Philippines - Earthquake OCHA Situation Report No. 1

Ref: GVA/99/0252
Philippines Earthquake
OCHA Situation report No. 1
12 December 1999

1. A strong earthquake hit Luzon, the largest island of the Philippines, on Sunday, 12 December 1999, at 02:03 hrs local time (Saturday, 11 December 1999, 18:03 hrs GMT). According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake measured 6.8 on the Richter scale with the epicentre situated at latitude 15.8 degrees north and longitude 119.8 degrees east, approximately 170 km north-west of Manila. Other sources, such as the Swiss Seismological Centre, confirm these data. The main quake was followed by a series of strong aftershocks.

2. According to the media, at least two people were killed and about two dozen persons were injured, mostly hit by debris falling from damaged walls and roofs in their homes. For several hours Power was cut in parts of Manila and other provinces of Luzon. Initial reports indicate that the damage is less than first feared but a number of buildings in Manila suffered damage, such as cracks and shattered grass panels.

3. OCHA is in close contact with the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Manila and will revert with further information as it becomes available.

4. This situation report and further information on ongoing emergencies are also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int

Telephone number: +41-22-917 12 34

In case of emergency: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officers: Ms. S. Metzner-Strack/Mr. R. Mueller/Mr. S. Matsuka, OCHA Disaster Response Branch, direct Tel. +41-22-917 21 44 / 31 31 / 40 34

Press contact: Ms. E. Ponomareva, direct Tel. +41-22-917 23 36

Fax: +41-22-917 00 23

E-mail: ochagva@un.org

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