43 families affected by Cagayan quake

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 14) — At least 43 families have been affected by the magnitude 6.3 earthquake that jolted Dalupiri Island in Calayan, Cagayan on Tuesday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported.

Some of the families affected by the tremor are housed in evacuation centers while others opted to stay outside their homes, disaster officials said on Thursday.

Five people in Barangay Centro 2 in Calayan were hurt when their house collapsed, among them a 13-year-old who suffered spinal injuries after debris fell on her.

Meanwhile, cracks were seen in 24 structures in Calayan, including schools and houses.

Classes at Calayan West Central Elementary School and Calayan High School - Main remain suspended on Thursday due to the effects of the quake.

Immediate assistance such as food has been provided to the victims.

The Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office advised residents to prepare for future temblors.

"Religiously practice ‘yung national simultaneous earthquake drill natin so that alam ng lahat kung anong gagawin nila at hindi sila ma-rattle once na mayroong shake," said Ruelie Rapsing of the Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

"Everyone should comply dun sa kung ano ang isinasaad ng ating National Building Code," he added. "Once nag-comply kasi sila du’n, they are sure ‘yung kanilang structure will withstand an intensity 8 earthquake."

[Translation: National simultaneous earthquake drills should be practiced religiously so everyone can know what should be done and not be rattled once the shaking happens. Everyone should comply with the National Building Code. Once they do, they will be sure that their structures will withstand an intensity 8 earthquake.]