By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday said no Filipino was among the reported casualties in the powerful earthquake that rocked Venezuela last week.
In its latest bulletin, the agency said the Philippine Embassy in Bogota continues to monitor the situation in the country, where at least 74 Filipinos, mostly religious missionaries, are residing.
“To date, the Embassy has received no reports of casualties, injuries, or missing Filipino nationals. The Embassy is actively reaching out to Filipinos in severely affected areas to determine their urgent needs,” it said.
A twin earthquake of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck the northern coast of Venezuela on June 24, killing over 1,700 people and injuring more than 5,000.
Figures cited by the United Nations said that around 12,000 people have been displaced by the tremor, and officials have yet to confirm the number of missing.
The DFA said affected Filipino nationals or their relatives can contact the Embassy for immediate assistance via the emergency hotline at +57 314 299 8808 or through email at [email protected]. (PNA)
