Below is the latest information from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center (NDRRMC) on the earthquake that hit Negros Oriental on 06 February 2012:
The number of casualties has reached 34 dead, 54 injured and 71 missing, as of 10 February 2012.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS) recorded a total of 1,239 aftershocks as of 08 February 2012. A total of 21 aftershocks were recorded on 08 February alone, of which 75 were felt.
The earthquake affected a total of 21,076 families or 93,397 persons. There are currently 21 evacuation centers. PHILVOCS has advised residents whose houses were not damaged by the earthquake to return to their homes.
A total of three (3) bridges in Negros Oriental (La Libertad-1, Jimalalud-1 and Guihulngan-1) remain impassable due to structural damage. One (1) road section along the Dumaguete North Road remains closed to vehicular traffic.
Cellular services (Smart and Globe) are back to normal in the quake-affected areas.
The city of Guihulngan remains without electricity and water. Electric power to portions of La Libertad and Jimalalud were restored on 09 February. As of 08 February, port operations in Negros Oriental are back to normal except for Guihulngan Port. The alternative port going to Guihulngan is Bolodo Port, which is 10 kilometers from the city proper.
One important issue and concern according to the Department of Health, is the scarcity of drinking water as a result of damage to Guihulngan’s water supply system which is bound to have an impact on the health of residents.
Meanwhile, search and rescue, as well as relief operations by the Philippine Government continue.