Thousands Flee as Aftershocks Jolt Philippines

Hundreds of thousands of people fled their homes today after four strong aftershocks shook the earthquake-devastated north. The death toll from the quake reached 376 as more bodies were discovered.

Many people bitterly complained that rescue efforts were poorly organized and ineffective.

“People are losing hope, simply because they haven’t received any assistance from the national government,” said Ronnie del Moro of the GMA television network, reporting from the town of Agoo in La Union province.

In La Union and Tarlac provinces, thousands of people slept in cars and in their yards because of damage to their homes and fears of another quake. Huge fissures of up to half a mile cut highways throughout the area.

In the mountain resort of Baguio, where at least 82 people were killed by Monday’s quake, one woman approached visiting military Chief of Staff Gen. Renato de Villa and complained about the rescue efforts.

“These are all piecemeal measures!” the unidentified woman shouted as President Corazon Aquino’s spokesman Tomas Gomez tried to pacify her with promises that help was on the way. “Why now, why only now?” she asked. Gomez gave no answer.

Two of the aftershocks had magnitudes of 6.3 and 5.8. Monday’s quake measured 7.7, the worst to hit the Philippines since 1976.

In Baguio, hardest-hit by the earthquake, thousands of people began fleeing after the aftershocks. They carried their belongings with them like war refugees.