QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has expressed the Philippines' readiness to extend emergency assistance in the form of rescue personnel and equipment to Southern Türkiye after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the country on Monday, Feb. 6. 

At present, Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno has shared that OCD is working closely with other government agencies to respond to the urgent needs of earthquake victims following the request for assistance made by the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Manila. 

“Currently, OCD is coordinating with concerned agencies and mustering available manpower and equipment for possible deployment according to the request of Türkiye,” said Usec. Nepomuceno, giving emphasis on the preparation of Emergency Medical and Urban Search and Rescue Teams as identified priority needs. 

To date, the Türkiye earthquake caused more than 4,000 deaths and thousands of injuries a day after the calamity occurred. 

The OCD also expressed sympathies to the victims and affected families as the tolls continue to rise. 

The Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. meanwhile assured the Filipino public that the earthquake will not have a direct impact on the Philippines. 

“The earthquake in Turkey will not affect us as the active fault that caused the magnitude 7.8 earthquake is too far away and not connected to our active faults,” Sec. Solidum said. 

However, USec Nepomuceno still reminded the general public to stay prepared, alert, and well-informed in the event that they have to face and conquer a similar adversity in the country.

“Again, the Republic of the Philippines is one with the international community in extending its sympathies and condolences to the Republic of Türkiye. Our prayers are with those who are still missing as a result of this tragic event,” Nepomuceno added. (PIA-NCR)