Search, rescue operations end in quake-hit Porac, Pampanga

MANILA, Philippines – The search, rescue and retrieval operations in quake-hit Porac, Pampanga was officially terminated, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

NONSTOP RESCUE WORK Police officers secure the vicinity of Chuzon Supermarket in Porac, Pampanga,  a day after a magnitude 6.1 earthquake jolted parts of Luzon and Metro Manila on April 22.  File photo / AP

The declaration was made in a meeting of NDRRMC officials and its member agencies, as well as local government officials on Tuesday in Porac town.

Porac was one of the worst-hit areas of the magnitude 6.1 earthquake that jolted parts of Central Luzon and Metro Manila last April 22.

NDRRMC’s official figures showed that the earthquake killed a total of 18 people and injured 243 others.

A recognition ceremony for the 1,548 individuals who helped in search, rescue and retrieval operations was held on the same day. The awardees include personnel from the government, police and military, and volunteers. /gsg