A COVID-19 temporary treatment and monitoring facility (TTMF) in Davao City was reported to have been affected by the earthquake that struck last weekend.
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake that struck southeast of Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, Sunday noon, February 7, 2021, was felt at Intensity 4 in Davao City and some parts of Soccsksargen. No tsunami warning was issued.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said in a radio interview on Monday, February 8, a three-story TTMF, borrowed by the city government from another government institution, sustained cracks after the earthquake.
She said a portion of the facility was damaged as its ceiling fell off during the earthquake.
Duterte-Carpio said the city conducted an inspection and it was initially recommended that the third floor of the facility will not be allowed for occupancy.
In the latest inspection conducted on Monday morning, the City said it is assessing if the building needs to be closed and transfer the Covid-19 mild and asymptomatic patients to other TTMFs.
"Dunay inspection nga gi-conduct ganihang buntag to really determine kung kinahanglan ba i-fold or isarado nato ni atong isa ka TTMF and ibalhin nato ang pasyente didto sa ubang TTMF," Duterte-Carpio said.
(There was an inspection conducted this morning [February 8] to determine if there is a need to close the TTMF and transfer these patients to other TTMFs.)
She said the result of the inspection has yet to be released.
The affected facility has a 70 bed-capacity and 42 are occupying it.
As of February 8, the city government's isolation facilities for probable and suspected cases, along with the TTMF for Covid-19 positive cases, have a 2,310-bed capacity and 687 of the guests are active cases.
No damages were reported in other Covid-19 facilities.
The mayor declined to name the affected facility. City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) Chief Alfredo Baloran, however, said minor cracks were visibly seen in a temporary treatment facility at the University of the Philippines–Mintal Campus.
Baloran said no major damage and casualties have been reported in Davao City following the 6.1-magnitude earthquake.
He said based on their risk assessment and evaluation, no casualties and major damage on establishments and infrastructures, including bridges and thoroughfares, were recorded.
“Ang report nga nakuha nato sa BRRMC on the ground ug ang atoang police stations, nga naga-feedback pud na sila sa atoa sa ilang assessment sa mga infrastructures. So far, based sa ilang report nga na-forward sa atoa, walay damages nga nahitabo, pasabot passable atong mga roads and bridges,” Baloran said.
(Based on the report that we gathered from the [Barangay Risk Reduction Management Council] BRRMC on the ground and our respective police stations, they also provide feedback on their assessment on infrastructures. So far, based on their report, no damage reported. It means that our roads and bridges are still passable.)
Coastal areas in the city were also being closely monitored through the installed security cameras in the respective seaside areas.
Baloran has reminded mall and other establishment owners to check on their respective vicinity following the tremor and enforce evacuation if needed.
“Naa ta’y standard operating procedures niana kung naa sila’y makita nga minor cracks, dili gyud nato na pasudlan og balik unless ma-evaluate gyud na sya sa mga structural engineers. Kining mga establisyemento naa pud na sila’y structural engineers, pero tan-awon gihapon na sa atong City Engineer’s Office. Sa karon, nagatuyok na pud sila para i-evaluate ang mga minor damages sa mga establishments,” Baloran said.
(We have standard operating procedures that we follow. If they see minor cracks, we will not allow people to go back unless it has been evaluated by structural engineers. These establishments also have structural engineers, but still, it will be checked by our City Engineer’s Office. As of now, they are roving around the city to evaluate minor damages on establishments.)
The CDRRMO chief has also reminded Dabawenyos to remain calm and vigilant during calamities and disasters and still follow minimum standard health protocols as the Covid-19 outbreak continues to surge.
“Dili lang ta magpanic, kay tungod ang pagpanic diha na nihuon ta madisgrasya. Mag-alerto lang ta kanunay. Atong tan-awon asa ang safe area kung mag-evacuate na ka (Don’t panic, because if you do, it could lead you more to an accident. Stay alert always. Look for a safe place to go for evacuation),” Baloran said.