Makilala town in state of calamity after quake –local council

KIDAPAWAN CITY —The Makilala municipal council declared Thursday that the entire town is in a state of calamity due to the extent of damage it incurred from the magnitude-6.3 earthquake that struck the province of Cotabato on Wednesday evening.

Makilala Vice Mayor Ryan Tabanay said that the Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 2019-46 was approved to pave way for the utilization of the 5 percent calamity fund of the town to assist affected townsfolk.

Makilala was the epicenter of the temblor that severely damaged at least 63 houses and left 24 people wounded, the town's disaster management officials reported.

Sheryl Orbita the town administrator also said some structures, including chapels and the municipal hall, incurred minor damage.

Meanwhile, in Tulunan town, at least nine structures were recommended for immediate repair and reconstruction due to cracks on walls.

The barangay halls of Paraiso, Batang, and New Caridad were totally damaged, including the New Caridad High School and birthing homes.

At least 60 houses were also totally damaged in saud villages and four people were reported injured.

On the other hand, the North Cotabato Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that at least two people died from the quake, especially in the towns of Tulunan and nearby M'lang.

In the meantime, classes on all levels have remained suspended in the towns of Tulunan, Makilala, M'lang, and Kidapawan City.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has so far reported at least 300 felt aftershocks since Wednesday's quake. —LBG, GMA News