Initial assessment shows over P17-M quake damage in Surigao Sur
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY (PIA) — The Surigao del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that the series of earthquakes that struck the province caused an estimated P17,938,000 worth of damage to infrastructure and agriculture across the province.
Based on PDRRMO’s initial report as of 12:00 noon, October 14, the municipality of San Miguel recorded the highest damage at P8,905,000, followed by Bislig City (P3,745,000), Lingig (P3,225,000), Cagwait (P1,370,000), and San Agustin (P693,000). The total damage figure is expected to rise as other local government units (LGUs) continue to finalize their assessments.
To ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the impact, Governor Johnny T. Pimentel on Sunday issued a standing directive to the PDRRMO to coordinate closely with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the validation and detailed inspection of affected facilities. The governor also ordered coordination with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) for the assessment of agricultural damages, according to Provincial Administrator John Vincent C. Pimentel.
Meanwhile, the PDRRMO reported that 47,655 families or 173,127 individuals from 162 barangays were affected by the recent earthquakes. The coastal municipalities of Carrascal (8,860 families), San Agustin (6,275), Marihatag (5,866), and Cortes (4,741) recorded the highest number of affected residents.
The agency also confirmed 11 individuals injured, including six in Bislig City, one each in Carrascal and Lanuza, and three in Lingig.
As part of the ongoing response operations, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Surigao del Sur Chapter Administrator Zendel M. Fernandez said that they have augmented the medical tent installed at the grounds of the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center, which can accommodate 10 to 12 beds, and deployed one standby ambulance with four personnel ready for immediate response and patient transport.
The provincial government of Surigao del Sur continues to coordinate with local government units and national agencies to facilitate relief operations and expedite infrastructure restoration across affected areas.
It can be recalled that the province was hit by a series of strong earthquakes beginning October 10, when magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 tremors struck offshore Davao Oriental, followed by another magnitude 6.0 earthquake on October 11 at 10:32 p.m. off the coast of Cagwait, Surigao del Sur. All were tectonic in origin. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)