NUSTAR Resort & Casino Welcomes Guests Again Following Cebu Earthquake Closure

Key Moments:

  • NUSTAR Resort & Casino resumed hotel, dining, and gaming operations after a temporary shutdown due to a magnitude 6.9 earthquake.
  • The Office of Civil Defense reported 72 fatalities in northern Cebu following the disaster.
  • Around 4,000 families, or 20,000 individuals, remain displaced as aftershocks and damage persist.

NUSTAR Resumes Operations After Safety Checks

NUSTAR Resort & Casino, located in the Philippines, has reopened its hotel, dining, and gaming amenities following a temporary suspension caused by a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu Island on Tuesday night. The resort issued an advisory on Wednesday confirming that operations resumed after comprehensive safety inspections were conducted alongside local authorities. NUSTAR emphasized that all guests and personnel remained unharmed during the incident. The company stated, “All guests, team members, and partners are safe and well cared for.”

The resort also expressed solidarity with those affected, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the earthquake, and we stand by the Cebu community as it recovers and rebuilds.”

Impact and Response in the Earthquake’s Aftermath

The earthquake’s epicenter was located offshore, northeast of Bogo City, and its effects caused severe damage in northern Cebu. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) confirmed on Thursday that the disaster had resulted in 72 fatalities. OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo noted that there were no missing persons reported “even from the LGUs,” and added that some private rescue teams had been advised to demobilize unless they chose to continue assisting with relief or debris clearing efforts.

The Philippine National Police officially concluded search-and-retrieval operations on Wednesday night after verifying that all missing individuals had been accounted for. Bogo City was confirmed as the hardest-hit area, suffering at least 30 fatalities.

Government and Tourism Officials Lead Recovery Efforts

High-ranking officials, including Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, personally assessed the destruction in Bogo City. Secretary Frasco requested immediate support from the national government and outlined collaborative measures with local authorities, Regional Directors, and leaders at transportation gateways to safeguard travelers, local communities, and industry workers.

According to the Philippine News Agency, the earthquake damaged over 100 hotels and tourist destinations and left multiple roads and bridges unusable due to structural concerns.

Displacement and Ongoing Relief Operations

Castillo indicated that continuing aftershocks were causing apprehension among residents, discouraging many from returning to their homes, regardless of structural damage. “Even if their houses were not damaged, people are still afraid to go back inside because of the frequent tremors,” he said. OCD data revealed that roughly 4,000 families, totaling approximately 20,000 individuals, remained displaced, seeking refuge in evacuation centers or staying in open areas away from buildings.

Clearing and recovery initiatives are in progress, with vehicle access restored between Cebu City and Bogo. Priorities are focused on debris removal in essential facilities and efforts to provide relief for displaced families, according to Castillo.

Government bodies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Public Works and Highways, are coordinating relief operations and shelter assistance with local partners.

Overview of Key Statistics

IndicatorReported Value
Earthquake Magnitude6.9
Fatalities Reported72
Displaced Families4,000
Displaced Individuals20,000
Damaged Hotels/Tourist SitesMore than 100
  • Author

Daniel Williams

Daniel Williams has started his writing career as a freelance author at a local paper media. After working there for a couple of years and writing on various topics, he found his interest for the gambling industry.
Daniel Williams
Casino Guardian covers the latest news and events in the casino industry. Here you can also find extensive guides for roulette, slots, blackjack, video poker, and all live casino games as well as reviews of the most trusted UK online casinos and their mobile casino apps.

Related news