Magnitude-6.7 quake wreaks damage, triggers blackout in Surigao

A magnitude-6.7 earthquake which struck off Surigao City, Surigao del Norte Friday night brought massive damage to infrastructure and triggered a blackout in some areas.

According to Department of Social Welfare and Development of Caraga, heavily affected areas are Surigao City and surrounding municipalities of San Francisco, Malimono, Mainit, and Sison with over 28 barangays affected.

Ivy Paglinawan, information officer of Office of Civil Defense - Caraga said in an interview over radio dzBB that Surigao City may experience partial power failure while the municipalities of San Francisco and Malimono in Surigao del Norte are still under a "blackout."

Among the reported damaged infrastructures are the Surigao State College of Technology, Parkway Hotel, and Absolute Essential Traders. Total damages have yet to be assessed.

Parkway Hotel sa Surigao City matapos ang 6.7 magnitude na lindol. pic.twitter.com/rI46HVhTRm

— Vonne Aquino (@vonneaquino) February 11, 2017

Malico and Kinabutan Bridges in Surigao City are only passable to light vehicle. On the other hand, Anao-aoan bridge connecting Surigao City and San Francisco is no longer passable.

Meanwhile, flights in and out of Surigao are cancelled and will be diverted to Butuan City due to damaged runway in Surigao City Aiport which will remain closed until March 28. While operations in Lipata Ferry Terminal is also temporarily closed and will be diverted to Surigao City Port. 

— MDM, GMA News