SEVERAL cracks were found in two public schools in Cagayan de Oro City, which were built to withstand intensity 8 earthquakes, after the magnitude 6.6 earthquake on Tuesday, October 29.
City Engineer Rolando Pacuribot said they observed several cracks in Bugo National High School and Lapasan Elementary School after the tremor, which was felt at intensity 6.
In a Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (Dana) report, building 1 of Bugo National High School sustained cracks at the beams.
Minor cracks were already observed in the building after the October 16 earthquake, which had a magnitude of 6.3. Following the second earthquake on October 29, the cracks became bigger and turned into structural cracks.
The second floor also had cracks. A classroom on the third floor has cracks in the cantilever beams. New hairline cracks were also observed.
Bugo National High School was a project of the Cagayan de Oro City Government.
In Lapasan Elementary School, four classrooms showed cracks.
Lateral movement of cracks in the window and at the school library were observed. The school was built by the national government, through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Pacuribot said all rooms were stable, but have been declared off-limits to students as cracks were still being rectified.
"Bisan pa ug intensity 8 ang design sa buildings, dili gihapon maiwasan ang minor cracks. Basta, walay na-damage sa city government buildings," Pacuribot said.