Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is not anticipating the occurrence of a tsunami in the aftermath of a powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake that shook Sarangani, Davao Occidental on Friday, Nov. 17.
OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said the Office was coordinating with local disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) officers to determine the extent of the damage caused by the earthquake.
The quake struck at 4:14 p.m. at 30 km southwest of Sarangani.
“[There are] no effects as of reporting time. OCD regional offices are still gathering information in their areas of responsibility,” Nepomuceno said.
“[We are] waiting for official report regarding possible casualties and damages. Meanwhile, no tsunami alert,” he added.
Meanwhile, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) spokesperson Edgar Posadas said the Council was verifying reports of casualties and damages circulating on social media.
“There are reported power outages in Region 12. The GenSan [General Santos City] Airport is okay so far,” he said.
On Facebook, social media users were sharing photos and videos of their experiences during the powerful earthquake.
“There were posts on Facebook showing damages at a Robinsons mall. There were shattered glasses,” Posadas noted.
“No report yet on damages and casualties,” he added. — Martin Sadongdong
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Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph
