How is India Supporting the Philippines After the Recent Earthquake?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India offers solidarity to the Philippines in a time of crisis.
- 69 lives have been lost due to the earthquake.
- Rescue operations are ongoing to aid those trapped.
- The earthquake registered a magnitude of 6.9.
- Aftershocks continue to affect the region.
New Delhi, Oct 1 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow regarding the tragic loss of lives and the destruction resulting from the earthquake in the Philippines. He emphasized that India stands firmly in support of the Philippines during this challenging period.
In a message shared on the social media platform X, PM Modi remarked, "I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of lives and extensive devastation caused by the earthquake in the Philippines. My thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families. I wish a swift recovery for the injured. India stands united with the Philippines at this difficult time."
PM Modi's message of condolence followed the report of 69 fatalities resulting from a 6.9-magnitude earthquake that hit Cebu province in the central Philippines, as confirmed by the Philippines' Office of Civil Defence (OCD) on Wednesday, as per Xinhua News Agency.
During a public briefing, Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro, Deputy Administrator for the OCD, indicated that 30 individuals lost their lives in Bogo City, the earthquake's epicenter, 10 in Medellin, 22 in San Remigio, five in Tabogon, and one each in Sogod and Tabuelan.
He reported that the victims died when they were trapped under the collapsed walls of buildings and homes. Initially, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) stated that at least 147 individuals were injured. However, he did not provide further details regarding the injured or missing persons. The death toll is anticipated to increase as rescue operations continue to find survivors trapped under the debris.
Initially, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported a 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Cebu province at 9:59 pm (local time) on Tuesday. The institute later revised the magnitude to 6.9, noting that the quake occurred at a depth of 5 kilometers. The tremors were felt across many neighboring provinces in central Philippines and parts of southern Philippines. The institute has recorded over 600 aftershocks since Tuesday evening.