Quake-hit Davao de Oro towns declare state of calamity

Several towns in Davao de Oro were placed under a state of calamity due to the series of earthquakes that struck the province.

In Resolution No. 2023-201, the municipality of New Bataan, Davao de Oro was placed under a state of calamity, according to the Davao de Oro provincial information office (PIO) on Friday.

“In order for the municipal government of New Bataan to immediately address the needs of the people in the aftermath of the earthquakes, it is imperative to declare the entire municipality of New Bataan under a state of calamity,” the resolution read.

The Davao de Oro PIO, citing data from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said a total of 1,779 residents from the town's 12 barangays were taking shelter in evacuation centers as of March 9.

Meanwhile, a state of calamity was also declared in the municipality of Maragusan, Davao de Oro, the Davao de Oro PIO said on Saturday.

It said the quake affected more than 1,000 families.

A magnitude 5.3 earthquake hit southeast of New Bataan, Davao de Oro last March 6, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

It was four kilometers deep and tectonic in origin.

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake also struck New Bataan, Davao de Oro the following day, March 7. It had a depth of 10 kms and was tectonic in origin.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) earlier said 2,900 families were affected by the magnitude 5.9 earthquake.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) had provided around P6.243 million worth of assistance composed of family food packs, tents, and sleeping kits for the affected residents, the OCD added. — DVM, GMA Integrated News