Quake death toll climbs to 186; damage now at P867-M

MANILA, Philippines - The death toll from the powerful earthquake that jolted Central Visayas last week has risen to 186, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Monday.

At a televised press briefing before noon, the NDRRMC said the death toll includes 173 fatalities in Bohol, 12 in Cebu and one in Siquijor.

Still missing are 11 people while 583 others are injured.

The NDRRMC said the deadly earthquake has affected more than three million people in eight cities and 52 towns. More than 100,000 individuals are still inside evacuation centers.

The magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit Sagbayan, Bohol last October 15 and strong intensities were felt by nearby areas.  More than 2,000 aftershocks have been recorded by state volcanologists almost a week after the major tremor.

A total of P867.24 million cost of damage was reported in four provinces after the tremor affected roads, bridges, flood control structures and public buildings. Also damaged are 39 bridges, 18 roads and 45,641 houses.

The provinces of Bohol and Cebu have been placed under a state of calamity.

Meantime, the provincial government of Cebu said rumors that a magnitude 8 earthquake will strike Cebu any time soon are not true.

In its official Facebook page, the Cebu provincial government advised its residents to ignore such rumors circulating through text messages and to refrain from forwarding them to others to prevent causing panic.

However, the provincial government also urged the public to remain  on alert for the continuing aftershocks from the deadly earthquake that jolted Bohol last week.

"Earthquakes cannot be predicted as to where and when it will occur. There is no instrument yet that can predict earthquakes or its magnitude," the provincial government quoted Neil Sanchez, officer-in-charge of the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council, as saying.

"We urge everyone to gather official information from agencies like Phivolcs and not from any other unofficial sources. Circulating this text message will not help and can even cause more panic," the provincial government added.