Quake-stricken Davao del Sur now under state of calamity, Philippines

The entire province of Davao del Sur has been placed under a state of calamity following the severe destruction caused by the M6.3 earthquake that shook the area on October 16, 2019. More than 700 aftershocks were recorded through October 22.

According to the NDRRMC, at least 7 people have been killed, 215 injured and more than 25 000 affected. 2 065 houses were damaged and 482 destroyed, as of October 22.

The 16^th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Davao del Sur has approved Resolution No. 19-88 on October 22, declaring the state of calamity due to the "heavy damage to a number of infrastructures and properties such as school buildings, hospitals, malls, government office buildings, houses, and even fatalities resulted from the devastating event."

Promptly after the deadly quake caused massive disaster, the municipalities of Magsaysay, Bansalan, and Matanao have each issued a state of emergency declarations.

Other areas shaken by the earthquake were Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat, Digos City in Davao del Sur, Sto. Nino in South Cotabato, Alabel and Malungon in Sarangani, Lake Sebu, Polomolok, Tampakan, Tupi in South Cotabato, Koronadal City, Roxas and Pikit in North Cotabato, General Santos City, Davao City, Kalamansig, Lebak and Palembang in Sultan Kudarat, Kiamba in Sarangani, Esperanza and Rosario in Agusan del Sur, Kalilangan, Quezon, Kadingilan and Damulog in Bukidnon, Mawab in Compostela Valley, Cotabato City, Matanog, Barira, Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao, Santa Josefa in Agusan del Sur, Iligan City, Dipolog City, Butuan City, Zamboanga City, and Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

The number of affected households with totally or partially ravaged homes in the mentioned municipalities has topped 1 822, provincial information officer Hiru Gustavo Undalok reported.

However, Undalok said the provincial local government has not yet to determine the approximate cost of damages as the inspection and assessment of affected areas are still ongoing.

A church in Bacungan and a hill in Malawanit were also knocked down in rumbles.

In the town of Magsaysay, municipal information officer Anthony Allada reported that the death toll has gone from three to four as a woman perished while undergoing treatment at the Southern Philippines Medical Center.

The woman was identified as Rosita Botilla Quilla of Purok 12, who was hit by a falling hollow block wall at her residence during the tremor at around 19:37 LT. 

Residents from Magsaysay have refused to return to their respective houses as they fear another disaster might strike. The affected residents are temporarily taking refuge in tents.

Although officials have not yet been able to relocate the residents to the municipality hall as the place was also hit hard, the local government has been providing assistance, medical help, and relief goods to the quake victims.

Featured image credit: Ronnie Jhun Villar-Paderog Dico-Otero