The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) deployed manpower and rescue vehicles to assist in the search and rescue operations in a collapsed supermarket in Porac, Pampanga following the 6.1-magnitude earthquake that hit parts of Luzon on Monday.

Data from the PRC Operations Center shows that as of 7am, 24 individuals are still missing while 69 suffered injuries. PRC mobilized 30 manpower equipped with two ambulance units, two rescue vehicles, a generator set, and a tower light.

PRC also provided body bags to facilitate proper management of bodies retrieved in the incident site.

“We are all together. Red Cross continues the search and rescue operations for the missing individuals at Chuzon Supermarket. We deployed our assets from nearby chapters to provide additional manpower in affected areas. No one shall be left behind,” PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said.

Gordon also urged business owners to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the crowd.

“Be mindful of the safety of the people in your establishments. Business owners should inspect and double check the safety of their establishments to avoid putting people in dangerous situations,” he added.

Red Cross also advises the public to take earthquake drills seriously to prevent major casualties and take note of the following measures before, during, and after an earthquake.

Before checklist

• • Bolt and brace water heaters and gas appliances with wall studs.
• • Bolt bookcases, china cabinets and other tall furniture with wall studs.
• • Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches and anywhere people sleep or sit.
• • Brace overhead light fixtures.
• • Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets. Large or heavy items should be closest to the floor.
• • Learn how to shut off the gas valves in your home and keep a wrench handy for that purpose.

During – if indoors

• • Drop, cover and hold on. Move as little as possible and watch for falling objects.
• • It is most important to keep your head and torso covered. If you’re sitting at a desk or table, get under it. Otherwise drop wherever you are.
• • If you are in bed, stay there, curl up and hold on, protecting your head with a pillow.
• • Stay away from windows to avoid being injured by shattered glass.
• • Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. If you must go outside after the shaking stops, use stairs rather than an elevator in case of aftershocks, power outages or other damages.
• • Be aware that fire alarms and sprinkler systems frequently go off in buildings during an earthquake, even if there is no fire.

During – if you are outside

Find a clear spot and drop to the ground. Stay there until the shaking stops (away from buildings, power lines, trees, streetlights).

During – if you are in a vehicle

• • Pull over to a clear location and stop.
• • Avoid bridges, overpasses and power lines if possible.
• • Stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops.
• • Then, drive carefully avoiding bridges and ramps that might have been damaged.
• • If a power line falls on your vehicle, do not get out. Wait for assistance.
• • If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes and cliffs, be alert for falling rocks and other debris.
• • Landslides are often triggered by earthquakes.

After

• • If away from home, return only when authorities say it’s safe to do so.
• • Be prepared for aftershocks. If you feel one, drop cover and hold on.
• • Aftershocks frequently occur minutes, days, weeks and even months following an earthquake.
• • Open cabinets slowly. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.
• • Stay away from damaged areas in and around your home.
• • Look for and extinguish small fires. Fire is the most common hazard after an earthquake.
• • Check for gas leaks to prevent fires and secondary damage. Spray the fittings on your gas meter and any fittings on gas appliances with a mixture of water and a little liquid dish soap. If it bubbles, there is gas present.
• • Use extreme caution and examine walls, floors, doors, staircases and windows to check for damage.