STATE OF CALAMITY. Local government units in Surigao del Sur, led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, continue to conduct food and relief distribution activities following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the area on Dec. 2, 2023. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan declared the province under a state of calamity in a resolution passed on Tuesday (Dec. 5, 2023). (Photo courtesy of DSWD-13)
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The province of Surigao del Sur has declared a state of calamity following the magnitude 7.4 quake that damaged infrastructure, disrupted businesses, and affected at least 30 percent of residents in the area.
Alex Arana, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) chief, said continuing aftershocks have affected efforts aimed at normalizing the situation in the province.
“Relief efforts are in place and the assessments of infrastructures and facilities are being conducted to ensure the safety of residents,” Arana said in an interview Wednesday.
The emergency declaration, contained in a resolution passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Tuesday afternoon, called for remedial measures to expedite relief and rehabilitation, including damage to homes as well as government infrastructures and private facilities.
Data showed that the total number of affected families now stands at 116,217 or 480,414 individuals in 237 barangays in the province.
“Of the total number of those affected, 20,977 families or 69,771 are considered displaced as they are still staying in 115 evacuation centers across the province,” Arana said.
Two deaths were also recorded by the PDRRMO, one in Bislig City and another in Barobo town, while 17 other individuals sustained injuries caused by the strong earthquake.
At least 834 houses were also totally damaged, while 1,141 were considered partially damaged by the calamity, which cost around PHP10.3 million.
Damage to infrastructures and facilities is recorded at PHP151.3 million and another PHP110.9 million to roads, bridges, and seawalls.
“We expect changes in these numbers as reports from the municipalities are still coming due to the continuing aftershocks and the assessment efforts,” Arana said. (PNA)
