The death toll from the powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu has climbed to 71 while at least 559 others were injured, according to the latest situational report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) released on Sunday, Oct. 5.

The earthquake, which jolted parts of Central Visayas last Sept. 30, caused widespread destruction in Bogo City, San Remigio, Medellin, and neighboring municipalities. Rescue operations have now transitioned into relief and early recovery efforts as national and local agencies continue to provide aid to affected residents.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Usec. Harold Cabreros extended his sympathies to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives not only in the Cebu earthquake but also due to recent typhoons “Opong”, “Nando”, and “Mirasol”.

Forty more people died from the recent typhoons. Meanwhile, typhoon Paolo did not cause any casualty but around 70,000 families or 225,000 individuals were affected in the entire Luzon.

“It is deeply saddening to witness the struggles faced by our fellow Filipinos due to the devastating impacts of Tropical Cyclone “Opong” and now the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu. We were in Masbate when the earthquake occurred. It is hearth-wrenching to see the impacts – the loss of lives, the seriously injured, the overwhelmed hospitals, and the destruction of homes, facilities, and infrastructure,” Cabreros said.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. To the affected communities, we assure you that government response operations are ongoing and support will continue,” he added.

Cabreros announced that efforts have now shifted toward relief and early recovery operations.

He highlighted that inter-agency efforts were being strengthened under the guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the leadership of NDRRMC Chair and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

“Now that SRR [search, rescue and retrieval] operations have concluded, after thorough ground validation and close coordination with local responders confirming that all reported missing persons have been accounted for, we will now shift our focus to relief and recovery,” Cabreros said.

The Regional Incident Management Team (RIMT) managing the disaster response in Central Visayas expressed gratitude for the overwhelming public response but urged donors to coordinate distribution efforts through the Incident Command Post (ICP) located at the Bogo City Central Terminal to ensure that relief reaches the most affected areas efficiently.

“We encourage the public to lessen the distribution in major thoroughfares to avoid traffic congestion or accident. The Incident Management Team (IMT) may be reached through mobile number 09263276397. Thank you for your continued support and understanding,” it said.

Relatedly, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (OCD BAR) led by Regional Director Joel Q. Mamon facilitated the transport of humanitarian assistance from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to Central Visayas.

OCD BAR coordinated the request of the SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Blood Center – Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC) for the transport of 325 units of packed red blood cells and 120 units of fresh frozen plasma to the Sub-National Blood Center for Visayas.

In addition, OCD-BAR facilitated the delivery of Bangsamoro Government donations through the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) and Bangsamoro.

The items included 200 modular tents, 970 water kits, 750 dignity kits, 700 hygiene kits, and four disaster response personnel.

The assistance was transported in coordination with the Tactical Operations Group-12 (TOG-12) of the Philippine Air Force, which deployed three Fokker F27 aircraft.

The first flight departed Cotabato (Awang) Airport and arrived in Cebu while carrying 750 dignity kits, 10 boxes of blood packs, 160 modular tents, and four personnel. The second aircraft carried 40 modular tents and 700 hygiene kits. Lastly, the third aircraft carried 970 water kits.

All actions were coordinated with OCD Region VII for the proper receipt and distribution of the non-food items. The breakdown of provisions was documented and turned over to the concerned authorities for appropriate handling.

Meanwhile, to help feed displaced residents, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VI – Western Visayas has deployed its mobile kitchen and camp management teams to the municipality of San Remigio, one of the hardest-hit towns.

Since October 4, the DSWD mobile kitchen has been serving meals to nearly 500 individuals per feeding, including evacuees and responders stationed in public areas.

“Every bit of help goes a long way, especially in times of disaster,” the DSWD said, noting that the mobile kitchen will continue to operate until local food supply chains stabilize.