DURING the ISpeak media forum on Thursday morning, September 7, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) reported its initial findings of infrastructure damage in schools and residential areas following a magnitude 4.7 earthquake on Wednesday afternoon, September 6.
Ezzra James Fernandez, CDRRMO operations assistant, identified eight affected barangays: Matina Crossing, Catigan, Toril Proper, Mintal, Baguio Proper, Calinan Proper, Cabantian, and San Antonio.
Among the schools, Calinan National High School, Saloy National High School, and Doña Asuncion Hizon Elementary School sustained minor damage. Doña Carmen Deña National High School and Magsaysay Elementary School showed moderate cracks.
In the residential area of Purok 10, barangay Sirib, 11 houses reported minor and major damage, with three houses having moderate to major cracks and eight with minor cracks.
The tremor caused panic among students, leading to difficulty breathing and fainting. The CDRRMO promptly deployed the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee (BDRRMC) to provide immediate care. A total of 125 students were attended to, 88 received onsite treatment, and 37 were referred to hospitals.
Franz Irag, chief for operations at the Office of the Civil Defense Davao Region (OCD-Davao), noted that seven schools transitioned to a blended learning modality, including Mintal Comprehensive National High School, Vinzons Elementary School, Matinao Biao Elementary School, Maria Cristina Agricultura High School, Tagakpan Elementary School, Tugbok Elementary School, and Wangan Elementary School.
Fernandez assured that no major structural damage was reported, and assessments by the CDRRMO are ongoing.
The epicenter of the 4.7 earthquake was located in Tamugan, attributed to movement along the Cotabato fault system. The CDRRMO has coordinated with affected barangays to conduct investigations and assess building integrity.
Fernandez underscored the importance of practicing earthquake drills, advising, "Every na naay earthquake perform jud ta sa atoang duck, cover, and hold and kung wala or humana na ang onset sa atoang earthquake. Maghinay-hinay ta ug evacuate mangita ta ug open area nga layo sa atoang establishment kay kung ma tumba ba or magkaguba-guba ang atoang establishment dili ta ma apil (During an earthquake, remember to 'duck, cover, and hold.' Once the shaking stops, evacuate slowly and find an open area away from buildings to ensure safety)."
He also announced plans for the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill in the third quarter of 2023, led by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in coordination with the CDRRMO. The exercise aims to identify needs and deficiencies in various offices and schools in the city.
In the third week of November, the CDRRMO will conduct a "Walk the Fault" program, inviting personnel from Phivolcs, the CDRRMO, and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro). This initiative aims to assess all faults in the city and identify potential hazards. RGP