This week the Philippines suffered a severe earth quake which measured 6.9 on the Richter scale. There have been 1239 after shocks and the damage to roads and dwellings was severe.
This was a typical tectonic plate movement at a depth of approx 10km offshore and as we know the Philippines lies on the Pacific ring of fire.
Although a tsunami alert was issued, it was later cancelled as no unusual sea level activity was noted.
Population affected are 14,800 families or approx. 74,000 people. So far 26 deaths have been reported with 52 injured and 71 still missing. Ten bridges were rendered impassable and 3 roads we closed due to severe fractures on the surface making travelling impossible. Pictures in the press indicated that in some parts only bicycles and motor cycles could negotiate roads – and at a very slow speed.
In total 1919 houses were damaged of which 976 is totally demolished and 943 partially damaged.
Classes in schools in Negros Oriental and Siquijor were suspended and children sent home. Emergency operational centres were activated and the Dept. of Social Welfare immediately started with the distribution of food parcels and drinking water.
Air force helicopters were used to take desperately needed supplies to devastated areas and the Office of Civil Defence Regional Centres were manned and activated to assist the people in affected areas. Command centres were established to oversee to the needs of people in the affected areas.
Turning closer to home, it appears that the late rainy season has started and a fair amount of rain has fallen over much of the summer rainfall areas.
In the Indian Ocean, earlier this week, it was also brought to our attention that yet another cyclone was forming east of Madagascar named ‘Giovanna’ and moving slowly westward toward the country.
It is too early to see if this cyclone will have any effect on our local rainfall regions but we will keep an eye on it as it approaches the Island of Madagascar.
Reporting for Hamnet, this is Francois Botha – ZS6BUU.
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