Earthquakes, floods shake Philippines; UAE extends aid

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported an earthquake of magnitude 6 in Surigao del Sur and another quake of 4.3-magnitude in Catanduanes on Monday morning.

According to the Philippines News Agency (PNA), the authorities confirmed that there were no major damages or casualties following the quake. However, some minor cracks in buildings in the area were reported.

On the other hand, the country is still bracing floods in Cagayan Valley. The death tolls stood at 67, injured 21 and 13 people missing as a result of Typhoon Vamco.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Renato Solidum Jr. stated to PNA that the flooding was caused in Cagayan Valley due to cutting of trees, heavy rainfall and also the region's naturally lower topography.

The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) in coordination with the UAE Embassy in Manila and the Philippine Red Cross has strengthened its humanitarian endeavors to help people affected by Typhoon Goni in the Philippines.

The support includes emergency relief aid distribution in different affected areas. The Emirates news agency (WAM) said on Sunday that the ERC delegation is stationed at Philippines and involved in assisting the people in distress.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) notified infrastructure damage estimated at PHP469,700,000. The agricultural damage was assessed at PHP1.2 billion.

Typhoon Vamco, locally named Ulysses, has affected 428,657 families in different regions includingIlocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, National Capital Region (NCR) and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

(reported by Haifa Muneer )