Agusan Norte stands ready, responsive as magnitude 7.4 earthquake strikes
By Nora L. Molde
 |
Personnel of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction
and Management Office (PDRRMO) together with members of the Provincial Disaster
Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Agusan del Norte man the
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) under Code Blue Alert Status following the
magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck on Oct. 10, 2025. The EOC, operating from both the Provincial Capitol
in Butuan City and the PDRRMO main office in Cabadbaran City, continues to
coordinate monitoring, assessment, and response operations with various
agencies and local government units to ensure the safety and well-being of
Agusanons. (Photo courtesy of PDRRMO Agusan del Norte) |
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Agusan del Norte, chaired by Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante and led by PDRRM Officer Erma Suyo, immediately went into full response mode following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck at around 9:43 AM on October 10.
After the tremor, the PDRRMO activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) under Code Blue Alert Status, mobilizing its teams and coordinating with local government units (LGUs), response agencies, and partner organizations to ensure rapid information flow and efficient deployment of resources.
To maintain uninterrupted operations, the Alternate EOC at the Provincial Capitol in Butuan City and the Main EOC at PDRRMO Sanghan in Cabadbaran City were both activated. These centers serve as hubs for real-time monitoring, assessment, and reporting of the effects of the earthquake, which was felt at Intensity 4 in Agusan del Norte and originated from Manay, Davao Oriental.
As part of precautionary measures, the PDRRMC promptly recommended province-wide suspension of work and classes to safeguard residents while inspection and assessment of public structures continue.
Municipal and city DRRMOs have likewise activated their respective EOCs, coordinated with barangays for rapid damage reporting, and initiated infrastructure audits to determine the extent of structural impacts.
Initial situation reports from the field showed minor infrastructure damage and a few cases of minor injuries across several municipalities. In RTR, all individuals with minor injuries were treated and sent home, while in Cabadbaran City, nine individuals were referred to the Cabadbaran District Hospital for further medical attention. Cracks on walls and dislodged tiles were among the reported structural damages.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) raised its Code White Alert, activated its Hospital Incident Command System, and reactivated both the Disaster Control Group (DCG) and the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) teams. The PHO also initiated re-inspection of health facilities to ensure continued safety and functionality.
Due to temporary power interruptions, the Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANECO) provided hotline numbers for residents to report electrical issues: Smart at 0909-266-8777, and Globe at 0917-457-6296. Residents are advised to provide their full name, home address with landmark, complaint details, and contact information when reporting.
In related developments, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Agusan del Norte announced precautionary measures for the Indigenous Peoples Games – Mindanao Leg in Buenavista on Oct. 11-12. Since the use of the gymnasium is temporarily suspended, and the Annual IP Address (AIPA) is postponed until further notice. The IP Forum and Cultural Night will proceed and the IP Games will continue this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) through its Coast Guard Station Agusan del Norte, led by Ensign Mark John M. Relox, activated its Deployable Response Group (DRG) to conduct coastal monitoring, site inspections, and coordination with local DRRMCs to ensure the safety of coastal communities. All PCG assets and personnel in the province are now on high alert for immediate deployment and support in rescue, relief, and damage assessment operations.
Authorities continue to urge the public to remain calm, stay vigilant, and rely only on official advisories from government agencies to obtain accurate updates and avoid spreading misinformation.
For emergencies, residents may contact the 24/7 Hotlines of Agusan del Norte DRRM Offices:
– PDRRMO
Agusan del Norte: 0931 764 5413
– CDRRMO
Cabadbaran City: 0998 866 8771 / 0917 137 5977
– MDRRMO
Carmen: 0912 702 2253 / 0930 596 5534 / 0963 915 8470
– MDRRMO
Buenavista: 0951 800 5417
– MDRRMO
Jabonga: 0938 314 1162
– MDRRMO
Kitcharao: 0921 348 4261
– MDRRMO
Las Nieves: 0951 458 6690 / 0977 134 6399
– MDRRMO
Magallanes: 0907 039 6782
– MDRRMO
Nasipit: 0907 978 6199 / 0956 183 4431 / 085 808 1054
– MDRRMO
RTR: 0949 609 8278
– MDRRMO
Santiago: 0917 895 4289
– MDRRMO Tubay: 0917 705 5336 / 0930 560 6963
Through its swift activation, coordinated action, and multi-agency response, Agusan del Norte’s PDRRMC once again proved its readiness and resilience, ensuring that communities remain safe, informed, and supported in times of disaster. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
