All six fatalities identified as Surigao City reels from quake

All of the six fatalities in the strong quake that struck Surigao del Norte last Friday evening have been identified, even as the whole of Surigao City continues to stagger from the temblor's effects.

Regional Risk Reducation and Management Council reports identified the fatalities as: 

1. Lorenzo Deguino, 86, from Brgy. Poctoy
2. JM Ariar, 4, from  Sitio Aton, Brgy. Ipil
3. Wilson Lito, 35, from Brgy. Nonoc
4. Justina Roda, 83, from Brgy. Bonifacio
5. Grobert Eludo, 40, Brgy. Bilabid
6. Wenefreda Bernal, 66 from Brgy. Honrado in San Francisco town.

Five of the fatalities were from barangays in Surigao City, while the 6th hailed from nearby town, San Francisco.

The Provincial Public Information Office quoted Dr. Cheryll Gotinga of the Caraga Regional Hospital as saying that the number of those hurt who were undergoing treatment was at 143.

Earlier reports indicated that the magnitude-6.7 quake caused damage to infrastructures, establishments and houses—including the Surigao Airport, the vital Anao-aon Bridge, school buildings, and water and power systems facilities in the city.

The quake struck 14 kilometers northwest of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte at 10:03 p.m. Friday.

Local officials on Saturday declared Surigao City in a state of calamity due to the extent of damage to infrastructures and other public utility systems.

For instance, Surigao City Airport will be closed for a month due to damage it incurred. The Saint Paul University Surigao Hospital, which was also damaged by the quake, has also remained closed.

Roads and several buildings, vital private establishments (including Gaisano Mall), were also damaged by the quake.

Spending night out  in fear

Several residents in the city chose to spend Saturday night outside their homes, pitching tents in the streets and in an area outside the capitol compound for fear of tsunami and strong aftershocks from the quake.

GMA News also reported that some residents sought refuge in higher places, including the provincial capitol building as it is built on an elevated area.

Citing data from the Philippine Institute of Volocanology and  Seismology (Phivolcs), the report said  that over a hundred aftershocks have been recorded since the quake struck on Friday evening.

Despite Phivlocs assurance that a tsunami is unlikely, some city residents still insisted on seeking refuge in elevated areas.

Relief and rescue operations ongoing

Relief and rescue operations are ongoing as well as clearing activities to rid the city of debris and rubble.

The provincial and local disaster response agencies have continued the distribution of of relief goods to affected residents.

GMA News reported Sunday morning that  Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo flew to Surigao City to check on the situation, and that President Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to visit the city within the day.     

Phivolcs had reported that the quake was tectonic in origin and had a "Depth of Focus" of 4 kms.

The quake was felt at:

• Intensity VI in Surigao City; and Pintuyan, Southern Leyte;
• Intensity V in Mandaue City; San Ricardo, Limasawa  and San Francisco, Southern Leyte;
• Intensity IV  in Hinunangan, Southern Leyte; and Butuan City;
• Intensity III in Hibok-hibok, Camiguin, Tolosa and Tacloban, Leyte; Bislig City; and Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; and
• Intensity II in Cagayan de Oro City; Talocogon City, Agusan del Sur; Dumaguete City; Cebu City.

Phivolcs also reported that under Instrumental Intensities, the quake was measured at:

• Intensity II in Bislig City; and
• Intensity I in Cebu City and Cagayan de Oro City.

—LBG, GMA News