Surigao quake damage pegged at more than P688M by PDRRMO

The destruction caused by the 6.7-magnitude earthquake that hit Surigao del Norte last week to property, infrastructure, water and power utilities cost more than P688 million, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported.

The details provided by the Philippine Information Agency in the Caraga region showed that PDRRMO Officer in Charge Engr. Marlyn Pono said the damage to school facilities is estimated at P176.5 million while damage to infrastructure is pegged at P194.8 million.

The damage to various parts of the provincial government building reached P104.3 million. Basic utilities like the electric power reached P7.3 million and water supply was reported at P2.3 million.

The Caraga regional hospital was also affected by the strong quake with cost of the damage is P488,000 while the damage on national roads and bridges was  P201.8 million.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas during the press briefing on Wednesday recommended that there should be regular evaluation of public and private infrastructures such as buildings, bridges and other structures to ensure that they can withstand strong earthquakes. 

Barangay officials and Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) officials were enjoined to identify open spaces for safe refuge when earthquakes occur and craft evacuation plans that would help the people find the fastest and safest way to reach open spaces and other safe areas.

Matugas has also ordered to fast track the distribution of relief goods to badly affected families especially in isolated communities where supplies remain scarce. — BAP, GMA News