Butuan City conducts safety inspection following magnitude 5.6 earthquake
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
(photo courtesy of Butuan City PIO Facebook page)
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Following the magnitude 5.6 earthquake that struck Agusan del Norte and surrounding areas, the city government of Butuan promptly initiated widespread safety inspections through its Infra-audit Team led by the City Building Management Department (CBMD).
The inspections covered malls, schools, public offices, bridges, and other major structures to determine their safety and structural integrity. While many buildings withstood the tremor with minimal damage, there is a need to conduct a thorough inspection.
In a swift response to ensure public safety, the city government declared the temporary suspension of work and classes at all levels, both public and private, immediately following the quake.
Mayor Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun emphasized that the suspension was a necessary precaution, saying, “We cannot take a chance; we will monitor the effects of the earthquake.”
The audit team primarily inspected the Magsaysay Bridge, which was temporarily closed after the earthquake. It is an old bridge in the city, built in the 1950s, and a critical route for daily commuters. Though there was no immediate indication of severe structural damage, visible cracks and signs of aging prompted authorities to shut it down for a full structural audit. Alternative routes have since been arranged to minimize traffic disruptions.
Engineer Robert T. Flaviano, audit team leader, said the cracks found in the bridge point to its structural design, which is the expansion joint. Engineer Flaviano also added that as to the structural integrity, the bridge remains very safe.
The city government will continue its inspection throughout the city as part of its commitment to disaster readiness and infrastructure resilience.
Also, the public is urged to remain alert and report any structural concerns to the CBMD. (MFC, PIA Caraga)