TEMPORARY CLOSURE. People are advised not to use the pedestrian overpass in Matina Crossing, Davao City, after the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office found visible cracks on the structure following the 5.6 magnitude quake Monday afternoon (Aug. 15, 2022). The overpass will be assessed by the City Engineer’s Office to ensure its structural integrity. (Photo courtesy of Matina Crossing BDRRMC)
DAVAO CITY – A pedestrian overpass in Barangay Matina Crossing here was temporarily closed as more cracks were found on the structure after an intensity 5 temblor hit the city on Monday afternoon.
In a radio interview Tuesday, Alfredo Baloran, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief, said they immediately assessed buildings and other structures to ensure the safety of their continued use following the tremor.
Baloran said no one was hurt in the tremor and the overpass will be further assessed by the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) to ensure its structural integrity.
“We have coordinated this with the CEO because they have technical people who can determine if the structure is still safe for public use,” he said.
Landslide-prone areas have been inspected amid the heavy rains during the past few days, he added.
“The rainy weather experienced in the city has only increased the risk in foothills and mountain sides,” Baloran said, even as he reminded Dabawenyos to be on guard in times of natural calamities.
He also urged the Dabawenyos to immediately report any cracks found in office buildings, schools, bridges, houses, and other structures to authorities.
The tremor was felt in the city after a magnitude 5.6 quake shook parts of Mindanao, with the epicenter traced in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. (PNA)
