BUTUAN CITY (October 13) — Government relief operations have been intensified across large parts of Mindanao as communities recover from successive strong earthquakes, including a magnitude 6.0 quake that struck Surigao del Sur late Saturday night.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake, initially recorded at magnitude 6.2, occurred 28 kilometers northeast of Cagwait, Surigao del Sur. The tremor, tectonic in origin, was felt at strong intensities in parts of Davao and Surigao provinces.
Damage assessments ongoing
Local authorities are still assessing structural damage in several affected areas, including the town of Tago, where the Tago-Lapaz Bridge sustained damage and remains under close monitoring.
In an advisory issued Sunday, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the bridge is passable to light vehicles, with one-at-a-time passage and strict “no stopping” zones. Heavy six-wheeler trucks are allowed only if unloaded, while 10-wheeler trucks are advised to take alternate routes or wait for clearance.
Thousands affected
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that more than 70,000 families or 253,938 individuals from 199 barangays in Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands have been affected by the series of tremors.
“As of 4 a.m. on Oct. 12, all 2,933 families (11,317 individuals) who sought refuge in 58 evacuation centers have returned home, while nearly 7,000 families continue to stay with relatives and friends,” DSWD said in its latest situation report.
Relief aid mobilized
Humanitarian assistance delivered to affected residents has already reached ₱400,129.68, including help from various government agencies, local governments, and private organizations.
The DSWD said ₱168.7 million worth of relief resources are on standby, including ₱2.7 million in quick response funds and ₱166 million in food and non-food items ready for distribution.
Aftershocks expected
Phivolcs reminded the public that aftershocks are likely and urged residents in affected areas to stay alert and follow advisories from local disaster officials. Structural assessments are ongoing to ensure the safety of bridges, schools, and other public facilities.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while providing emergency assistance to communities hit hardest by the recent tremors.
