British Embassy saddened by loss of lives in Bohol quake

Rescuers shift through the rubble to recover an unidentified man at a fish port in Pasil, Cebu, central Philippines on Tuesday Oct. 15, 2013. A 7.2-magnitude earthquake collapsed buildings, cracked roads and toppled the bell tower of the Philippines’ oldest church Tuesday morning, killing at least 20 people across the central region. AP Photo

MANILA, Philippines – The British Embassy in the Philippines expressed its concern for those affected by the earthquake in Bohol Tuesday morning.

“I am saddened to hear of the loss of lives in the region and it will be some time before the full extent of the damage becomes known,” British Ambassador Designate Asif Ahmad said in a statement.

“Whilst there have been no reports of injury to Britons, this is a region that has proven to be hospitable to many British nationals over the years,” he said.

At least 20 have been killed while many more were reportedly injured according to initial reports gathered by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) noon Tuesday.

Classes have also been cancelled in Bohol and in the nearby Cebu City, which was also badly hit by the quake, in order to give way for the inspection of damaged buildings.

“Everyone familiar will the affected parts of the country will join me in the hope that the community recovers from what has been a difficult day,” Ahmad said.

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