NO MALAYSIANS AFFECTED BY 6.9-MAGNITUDE QUAKE IN CEBU, THE PHILIPPINES

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- No Malaysians have been reported affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu Island in the Philippines at 9.59 pm local time on Tuesday.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry said the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila is closely monitoring the situation, which caused fatalities and displaced hundreds of families.

“Thus far, no Malaysians have been reported to be affected by the earthquake. The Embassy is actively coordinating with local authorities to obtain further information,” the statement stated.

Meanwhile, Malaysia extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to the government and people of the Philippines, especially the victims and families affected by this calamity.

“The Foreign Ministry is currently coordinating with the relevant agencies on the possible assistance that could be rendered to the Philippines,” the statement read.

The ministry urged Malaysians in the affected areas to remain vigilant and to follow the latest updates and guidance issued by local authorities.

It also encouraged those who have not yet registered or updated their whereabouts and details to do so immediately at https://ekonsular.kln.gov.my.

Malaysians requiring consular assistance may contact the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila at Salcedo Village, 107 Tordesillas, Makati, 1227 Metro Manila, Philippines, by phone at +63 2 8662 8200 / 0917 864 0761, or by email at mwmanila@kln.gov.my.

On Tuesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology initially reported that a 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Cebu province at 9:59 pm local time on Tuesday. The institute later revised the magnitude to 6.9, adding that the quake struck at a depth of 5 km, approximately 19 km northeast of Bogo City, Xinhua reported.

The tremor was also felt in many neighbouring provinces in the central Philippines, as well as some regions in the south of the country.

Media reported that at least 69 people were killed in the earthquake, with the death toll continuing to rise as the government mobilised agencies to search for survivors.

-- BERNAMA