Philippine earthquake toll rises to 72

Manila [Philippines], October 3: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos visited the earthquake-hit area of Bogo City on Thursday and announced over 200 million pesos (nearly $4 million) in financial assistance to the provincial and local authorities. Seventy-two people died in the magnitude-6.9 earthquake that struck the central Philippines on Tuesday, the national disaster agency said. Nearly 300 people were injured, while more than 170,000 in total were affected. Marcos promised continued assistance to those affected by the quake until they recover from the devastation. "I assured all of our local executives that this is not a one-time assistance," he said. "People might think that when we leave, that's it. No. We will continue to monitor. We will continue to coordinate with the leaders to make sure that rehabilitation is going well and we are giving all the support needed." (dpa)
Source: Qatar Tribune