MANILA – Malacanang has not received report of any Filipino casualty in the New Zealand earthquake, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a press statement.
”The Philippine embassy in Wellington continues to monitor closely the situation,” Abella said.
A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck New Zealand’s South Island, killing at least two people just after midnight on Monday (Sunday in Manila).
The tremor and series of aftershocks have badly damaged roads and created a two-meter high tsunami in Kaikora on the east coast of the South Island.
Abella said they will continue to monitor for update from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
”Meanwhile, we enjoin everyone to pray that the safety of those who maybe affected in New Zealand and every Filipilino in the area,” Abella said.
Based on 2013 Census record, there are 40,350 Filipinos living permanently in New Zealand. Jelly Musico/PNA-northboundasia.com