Surigao del Sur – Following a devastating magnitude 7.4 earthquake, the province of Surigao del Sur has declared a state of calamity. The quake caused significant damage to infrastructure, disruptions to businesses, and affected at least 30 percent of the area’s residents.
According to Philippines News Agency, Alex Arana, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) chief, stated that continuing aftershocks are hampering efforts to normalize the situation in the province. The resolution for the state of calamity, passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Tuesday, aims to expedite relief and rehabilitation measures, addressing damage to homes, government infrastructures, and private facilities.
The latest data indicates that the earthquake affected 116,217 families, or 480,414 individuals, across 237 barangays in the province. Arana reported that 20,977 families, or 69,771 people, are currently displaced, residing in 115 evacuation centers.
The PDRRMO has recorded two fatalities, one in Bislig City and another in Barobo town, with 17 others sustaining injuries. Additionally, the quake resulted in at least 834 houses being totally damaged and 1,141 partially damaged, with an estimated cost of around PHP10.3 million. Damage to infrastructures and facilities is currently estimated at PHP151.3 million, with an additional PHP110.9 million in damages to roads, bridges, and seawalls.
Arana emphasized that these figures might change as reports from municipalities are still incoming, given the ongoing aftershocks and assessment efforts.
