WITH aftershocks following to magnitude 5 earthquakes in Davao de Oro, some residents opted to sleep in tents and make-shift huts due to fear brought about by successive aftershocks.
In a report from the Philippine Information Agency-Davao de Oro (PIA-Davao), some residents in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro slept outside their homes on Tuesday evening, March 7, to ensure their safety as aftershocks can still be felt following the M5.9 quake that struck at 2:02 p.m. and M5.6 quake at 4:47 p.m. The epicenter was in New Bataan, Davao de Oro.
Data from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs) showed that there were 50 aftershocks following the earthquake that struck at 4:47 p.m.
While the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Office Civil Defense-Davao Region (OCD-Davao) have not issued a report yet, damage to roads and infrastructure was reported by varying government agencies.
The Department of Public Works and Highways in Davao Region (DPWH-Davao) spokesperson Dean Ortiz said in an online message to SunStar Davao on March 8, that as of 5:41 p.m., the Montevista-Compostela-Mati road has been closed following a landslide.
“Motorists are advised to take Compostela – Gabi - Magangit Road and New Bataan – Panag – Camanlangan Road for the time being. Motorists are advised to take safety precautions while driving on the said roads,” DPWH-Davao said.
The agency also reminded motorists that the Montevista-Compostela-New Bataan- Mati boundary. roads (Lanipao to Araibo boundary Pantukan, Davao de Oro) are passable but they should travel with precaution along the Lanipao segment due to threats of landslides.
Meanwhile, PIA-Davao de Oro reported that cracks and damage were seen in the Municipal Hall of New Bataan resulting in its closure until further assessment.
Grocery stores in New Bataan were also affected as their products were damaged due to the earthquake.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) in the municipality of Mawab said broken windows in a school were reported while a student fainted during the earthquake.
Meanwhile, patients and watchers were evacuated outside the Davao de Oro Provincial Hospital (DDOPH) in Maragusan due to parts of the hospital being damaged. On the other hand, DDOPH-Montevista patients were transferred to the 10th Infantry Division’s hospital.
In the Municipality of Nabunturan, a power interruption was reported due to the earthquake.
As of writing, OCD-Davao has yet to release the estimated damage caused by the earthquake in Davao de Oro and other parts of the Davao Region. (with reports from PIA-Davao de Oro)