The Philippine Red Cross is on full alert in the wake of the series of earthquakes of various magnitude that hit some parts of Western Visayas and Mindanao at around 12 noon today (February 6, 2011) causing some residents to panic specially when the tsunami alerts were raised earlier by Philippine Volcanology in coastal areas.
Latest report said all tsunami alerts have been lifted by Philvolcs.
Red Cross 143 volunteer coordinator Engr. Bon Mark Uy of Negros Oriental chapter reported two casualties; one child who died due to fallen hollow blocks and one adult who died in a sliding accident. Four bridges –Tinayonan, Baterya, Martilo bridge in La Libertad and Dayoyo in Jimalulud were damaged and were not passable to heavy vehicles. One storey building in the area also collapsed with two persons reportedly trapped inside. Efforts are being done to extricate the victims.
Volunteer Mark Uy also reported that the patients of the district hospital in the municipality of Guinhulngan, Negros Oriental were evacuated to safer grounds due to continuing aftershocks.
PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon has immediately deployed Emergency Response teams and life saving equipment including rescue equipment, ambulances, generator sets and tower lights in the affected areas. Gordon also directed all nearby chapters to be on stand by and to be ready for deployment anytime.
A magnitude of 6.9 earthquake was felt in West of Tayasan, Negros Oriental; Intensity 7 in Dumaguete City, Intensity 6- La Carlota and La Castellana in Negros Occidental; Intensity 5 in Roxas City, Dao and Ivisan, Capiz and Iloilo City, Intensity 4 – San Jose De Buenavista and Pandan in Antique; Ayungon, Negros Oriental; Kalibo Aklan; Sagay Negros Occidental and Dipolog City; Intensity 3 – Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte, Legaspi City, Albay; and Carmen, Cagayan De Oro; and Intensity 2 – Cabid-an in Sorsosgon.
All boat trips were suspended in Guimaras, Iloilo and Bacolod according to local Red Cross chapters. Power failure was reported in the affected areas.
PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang has instructed all PRC staff to be on call anytime the need arises. She has also alerted the PRC Blood Bank Services to ensure that Red Cross blood banks have enough supply of blood in case the need arises.
PRC operation center at National headquarters is closely monitoring the situation.