Manila, Oct. 7 -- The number of families affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that rocked Bogo City, Cebu and other nearby provinces on Sept. 30 has climbed to 165,998, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Tuesday.

The number is significantly higher than the 155,094 families reported the previous day.

In its latest report, the NDRRMC said the 165,998 families, equivalent to 611,624 individuals, are all from Region 7 (Central Visayas). Of the total number, 415 are staying in four evacuation centers while 6,937 are taking temporary shelter in other places.

The NDRRMC said verification process is still ongoing for the 72 reported killed and 559 injured due to the earthquake, which also damaged 3...