Authorities continue to sift through the rubble of the collapsed four-story building in Porac, Pampanga in the hope of getting more survivors as 14 people are still on the missing list.
From 24 missing Tuesday, there are only 14 people in the list as some of those who were initially listed were either misdeclared to be inside the building or the missing persons have been found.
Edgar Posadas, spokesman of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said search and rescue teams sent to dig up the collapsed building housing the Chuzon Supermarket are still optimistic of getting more survivors.
“The search and rescue operations will continue because it is also a satisfaction for the rescuers to save people’s lives,” said Posadas.
The death toll remained at 16 while 86 were injured as of yesterday. Most of the injuries are cuts and bruises after being hit by falling objects.
Some of those who are in the hospital, on the other hand, are in serious condition due to severe injuries in the head.
Aside from search and rescue missions, Posadas said they are now also attending to the needs of 348 families in Central Luzon who were affected by the 6.1-magnitude quake that also jolted Metro Manila.
Of the affected families, Posads said 245 of them, or 1,271 individuals, are staying in four evacuation centers. Those who are in the evacuation centers are among those whose houses were damaged by the strong tremor. (Aaron Recuenco)
