Number of those injured from twin Mindanao quakes rises to 432 —NDRRMC

The number of injured people as a result of the successive earthquakes that rocked parts of Mindanao last week rose to 432, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported Sunday.

This figure was up by 101 from 331 as previously reported.

According to the 6 a.m. NDRRMC situation report, the death toll from the earthquakes remained at 21, while two persons are still missing.

The casualties were reported in Regions X, XI, XII and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

At the same time, the number of damaged infrastructure also rose from 28,224 as previously reported to 28,932.

These included 27,845 houses, 854 schools, 73 health facilities, 20 places of worship, 38 private and commercial establishments, 21 roads and bridges, and 81 other public structures.

Likewise, more families have reportedly been affected by the twin quakes, from a total of 29,479 in the previous report to 35,661.

Of this figure, 4,362 families are currently staying in 30 evacuation centers, while 1,493 others are served outside these temporary shelters.

NDRRMC spokesperson Mark Timbal said food packs, sleeping kits, and laminated sacks are being transported for families affected by the earthquakes in Mindanao.

He also welcomed the financial aid given by the Chinese government to help the affected individuals.

"Itong mga pondong pinadala nila... depende kasi sa specification. It's either gamitin 'yan sa rehabilitation ng lugar, puwedeng gamiting pondo sa pagpapatayo muli ng mga nasirang kabahayan, o puwedeng gamitin din sa relief," he said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

"So far, wala tayong kakulangan sa relief dito sa mga pinapadala natin. Sa aking pagtanto, sa rehab gagamitin ang pondong 'yan," he added.

Timbal also reminded local officials in affected areas to ensure that relief packs are distributed properly among the beneficiaries.

This was after it was reported that some of those affected by the earthquakes were out in the streets begging for water and food as they do not receive the assistance intended for them.

"Ang nangyayari siguro, 'yung transportation doon sa lugar, umiikot, sinasakay at binabagsak 'yung mga relief items. Mukhang nagkakaroon ng pag-antala kasi maraming nanghihingi," he said.

"Pero patuloy naming pinaaalalahanan ang mga local government na iayos ang kanilang pagdi-distribute at siguraduhin na mabigyan lahat," he added.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Saturday ordered Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to lead all relief efforts and ensure the safety of the public in affected areas affected by the earthquakes in Mindanao.

"I have tasked Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, as head of the Department of National Defense (DND) and Martial Law Administrator, to lead all relief efforts, and to ensure safety and security of the public in the earthquake stricken areas of Mindanao," Medialdea said in a statement. —Erwin Colcol/KG, GMA News