By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA

Assistance to residents affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on Monday, June 8 is being readied by the Bacolod City government.

Mayor Greg Gasataya said they are prepared to extend whatever assistance is needed to the affected communities.

“We will assess the situation to determine what assistance we can provide to the earthquake victims,” he said.

Regarding the city’s earthquake preparedness, Gasataya said he has directed the City Engineer’s Office, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Office of the Building Official to conduct regular inspections and monitoring of government facilities and buildings, especially school buildings.

For his part, Bacolod Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said his office will also provide assistance to the affected residents in Mindanao.

“We will facilitate the delivery of assistance, which will be sent directly to the earthquake victims,” he said.

As of Tuesday, June 9, at least 41 people had been killed and more than 400 injured following Monday’s earthquake./MAP, WDJ