No declaration yet of state of calamity after twin quakes — Batanes governor

MANILA, Philippines — Batanes governor Marilou Cayco on Saturday said there is no decision yet on the possibility of declaring a state of calamity on the province following the twin quakes that struck the town of Itbayat and nearby areas.

In a phone interview with INQUIRER.net, Cayco said she will visit the town first before deciding on whether or not a state of calamity will be declared.

“Hinihintay ko lang yung eroplano. Pinadiretso muna namin sila sa Itbayat para makuha yung injured para madala dito sa Basco Hospital then yung pagbalik doon ay sasabay na ako kung makakasakay ho kami kasi depende yun kung may medical team na dala yun at sinamahan yung mga pasyente at babalikan ho yung bang pasyente baka hindi pa kami maaccommodate. Syempre mahalaga yung mga pasyente na madala dito (sa Basco),” Cayco said.

“Pagdating ko sa Itbayat, doon ko matitingnan kung mag-declare ako ng state of calamity,” Cayco added.

The Itbayat Church sustains damage after Batanes was hit by a 5.4 magnitude earthquake before dawn Saturday. (Photos by Dominic De Sagon Asa)

Cayco explained that it takes two and a half hours to reach Itbayat by boat but due to the rough sea conditions, planes are the preferred mode of transportation to reach the town.

A magnitude 5.4 hit the town at 4:16 a.m. and was followed by a stronger magnitude 5.9 quake at 7:37 a.m.

Eight casualties and at least 60 people sustaining injuries have been reported as of posting time. /muf

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