Cebu quake death toll revised to 68 amid validation

Metro Manila, Philippines - The death toll from the magnitude 6.9 Cebu earthquake decreased to 68 after figures were validated, government data showed on Friday, Oct. 3.

Based on the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) report on Thursday, fatalities listed were 72.

"The numbers may increase or decrease as validation of the MDM (Management of the Dead and Missing) led by DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) is on going," the NDRRMC told reporters in a message.

Meanwhile, 559 individuals were injured.

Around 80,000 families have been affected with some 300 families staying in evacuation centers and about 15,000 households outside government shelters.

Around 4,000 houses were partially damaged and 658 others were totally destroyed.

The entire province of Cebu is under a state of calamity following the destructive tremor that jolted on Sept. 30.