Rescuers in the Philippines continued to search Tuesday for dozens of people still missing following an earthquake that triggered devastating landslides and powerful aftershocks.
At least 43 people were confirmed killed after the 6.7-magnitude quake struck late Monday morning in a strait just off the heavily populated central Philippine island of Negros.
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Dozens of people are believed to be injured or missing in mountainous areas that have been cut off from rescue workers because of heavy landslides. Some villagers used their bare hands and shovels to dig through the rubble because heavy equipment had not arrived.
Officials say more than 700 aftershocks rattled the area in the 20 hours after the original quake, forcing many local residents, such as Fidela Folio, to spend Monday night outside or in their vehicles.
“We just wanted to be sure, like what happened earlier when people ran out of their homes in panic and there was a stampede. That is why we are staying beside the road.”
Authorities warn that the aftershocks could last for weeks. (VOA News)
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