MASTERCLASS IN COMPLETE STAFF WORK

In addition to public structures, numerous private homes also collapsed or sustained heavy cracks, forcing residents to seek shelter in evacuation centers.

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At the national level, President Marcos directed government agencies to deliver immediate assistance to Cebu.

As of 10 a.m. yesterday, Phivolcs recorded at least 848 aftershocks, including four major tremors, the strongest at magnitude 4.8.

Instrumental Intensity I was recorded in Roxas City, Capiz; Asturias, Talisay City and Danao City in Cebu; Cebu City; and Abuyog, Villaba and Hilongos in Leyte.

Most aftershocks were clustered in and around Bogo City.

Except for minor cracks on the fourth and fifth floors of Cadiz District Hospital in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, which was already vacated by patients, local authorities reported no structural damage reported in Negros Occidental following the earthquake.

Government response

The Philippine Air Force (PAF), through the Tactical Operations Wing Central, has deployed Disaster Response Task Units to support rescue and relief operations.

Several air assets were mobilized, including a C-130 cargo plane to transport additional rescuers from the 505th Search and Rescue Group, along with the Philippine Army (PA)’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief team.

The PAF said Black Hawk helicopters from the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing also carried out rapid damage assessment and needs analysis missions and airlifted rescue and medical teams,

equipment and relief goods to the hardest-hit areas.

On the ground, personnel from the 560th Air Base Group, together with PA responders, conducted rapid assessments, search, rescue and retrieval operations, as well as relief distribution to affected communities.

“To augment these (local authorities’) efforts, almost 1,600 teams composed of active military personnel, CAFGU Active Auxiliary members and reservists are on standby for immediate deployment,” Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said.