An 80-year-old American man residing in the Philippines has been left stranded on the upper floor of his apartment building after a powerful earthquake struck the region.
The 6.9 magnitude tremor, which occurred on Tuesday, has resulted in significant casualties and infrastructure damage across the affected area. At least 69 people have been confirmed dead.
The man, identified as the father of a well-known public figure, is reported to be safe but unable to descend from the 19th floor of his residence in Cebu. Family members have confirmed his situation, stating he is coordinating with assistants to arrange a safe exit from the building when it is deemed structurally sound.
In a statement, a family member expressed gratitude for public concern and detailed that provisions are being made to ensure he is not caught in a similar predicament in the future. The statement also addressed online skeptics, noting the physical challenges involved in evacuating an elderly individual from such a height without proper assistance.
The man relocated to the Southeast Asian nation earlier this year, citing a desire for a peaceful lifestyle, respectful community interaction, and accessible healthcare. He had previously spoken about seeking a quieter environment away from past familial tensions.
Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage while rescue and recovery operations are underway.
