Philippines earthquake: PM Modi expresses condolences as 69 killed in 6.9 magnitude quake, assures India's support
PM Modi expressed sorrow for the earthquake victims in the Philippines, offering prayers for the injured and affirming India's support during this challenging time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his sorrow for the earthquake victims in the Philippines and extended prayers for the injured, emphasising India's support during this difficult period.
In a post on the social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, “Deeply saddened to learn about the loss of lives and widespread damage caused by the earthquake in the Philippines. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery. India stands in solidarity with the Philippines at this difficult time.”
Philippines earthquake
PM Modi's post comes after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit the Philippines on September 30, reportedly killing around 69 individuals. The earthquake's epicentre was roughly 19 kms northeast of Bogo, a coastal city in Cebu province with a population of around 90,000, where approximately half of the reported deaths occurred. The quake was triggered by movement along an undersea fault line at a dangerously shallow depth of 5 kms, AP reported citing officials.
Deaths were also reported from the towns of Medellin and San Remigio, where three coast guard personnel, a firefighter, and a child lost their lives due to collapsing walls and falling debris. They were trying to escape from a basketball game at a sports complex that was disrupted by the tremors, the report said.
The Philippines government is evaluating the possibility of requesting assistance from other countries, based on an ongoing rapid damage assessment.
Meanwhile, the United States, Japan, Australia, and the European Union offered their condolences.
The earthquake was one of the strongest to hit the central region in over ten years, occurring while many people slept or were out of home.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology issued a brief tsunami warning, advising people to stay away from the coastlines of Cebu, Leyte, and Biliran provinces due to potential waves of up to 1 metre.