TREMOR, AFTERSHOCKS. Ground cracks and landslides are seen in Maragusan town, Davao de Oro province after the magnitude 5.3 tremor that shook the province on Monday morning (March 6, 2023). More than 30 aftershocks were recorded by the provincial disaster risk reduction management office. (Photo courtesy of Chan Aeron Comania)
NABUNTURAN, Davao de Oro – Following a magnitude 5.3 earthquake and over 30 aftershocks early Monday, cracks and landslides were recorded in at least two areas of Davao de Oro province.
Governor Dorothy Gonzaga suspended the classes at all levels both in public and private schools after the tremor.
Ground cracks and landslides were seen in Barangay Paloc in Maragusan town, while a portion of the Maragusan-New Bataan road also collapsed due to the tremor and aftershocks, Gonzaga said.
However, the governor assured that the activities for the 25th Bulawan Festival activities will still push through since no major damage were reported.
“They have checked the capitol wherein most of the activities were conducted and they told me that it is safe,” Gonzaga said in an interview, citing the initial findings of the Provincial Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO).
She added that no reported incidents and damage in far-flung areas reached her office as of this posting.
Meanwhile, Gonzaga encouraged all government agencies to strictly follow the assessment of the provincial government on the establishments that are no longer safe for occupation.
“They should not use it (building). If they do, they will be accountable for that,” she said.
Gonzaga also urged residents to report to the Barangay DRRMO any cracks in their homes or workplace.
Last month, a magnitude 6 tremor also hit the province, incurring damage amounting to PHP100 million to infrastructure projects. (PNA)
