Due to the 7.2 magnitude earthquake occurred in Central Visayas, President Benigno Aquino told reporters that South Korea is donating US$300,000 to help victims who were affected by the m(–foul word(s) removed–)ive quake and another US$200,000 for the rehabilitation of Zamboanga following the attack of the MNLF rebels.
Aquino said, “Damang-dama natin ‘yung kagustuhan nilang tumulong sa ating bansa. I was told tonight that they donated first ‘yung sa Zamboanga tapos tonight I was informed tinulungan na rin tayo dito dahil sa earthquake… 300 thousand tinulong, dollars.”
More than 160 people have died while more than 3 million have been affected by the quake. The Bohol and Cebu earthquake is considered as the worst earthquake to hit the Philippines for the past 25 years.
Nearly all the fatalities were recorded in Bohol. Some of the Philippines most popular tourist spots and attractions especially the century-old churches were heavily damaged by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake.
Eleven people died in Cebu, the country’s second-largest city, while one person was killed on the island of Siquijor, Balido said. Cebu City was one of the worst affected in terms of economic disturbance as establishments and businesses halted their operations during and after the earthquake.
The quake toppled centuries-old churches such as the world-renowned Baclayon Church and Loboc Church. The tremor destroyed more than 19,000 homes, the disaster council said, adding 65,000 people were staying in government-run shelters.