Massive Mindanao earthquake leaves trail of destruction in Davao Occidental town

The powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao has left severe damage to homes, properties, government buildings, and other infrastructures in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.

In Barangay Butulan, two individuals were injured after they were hit when their house collapsed following the tremor.

Because the road was rendered impassable, they were transported by motorized banca and brought by sea to the district hospital for treatment. The two were discharged later.

In the town proper, the municipal hall was cordoned off after the earthquake. Local government agencies temporarily set up offices in tents.

In Barangay Magulibas, the barangay hall sustained damage. Even the steel framework of the covered court that has just been repaired could not withstand the strong tremor, causing its roof to collapse.

“Kanang gym namo naghinay-hinay na siya maoy pagkatumba. Pero niuna gyud ang brgy hall sa taas niya. Pasalamat nalang pud ko sa ginoo nga walay tao,” a resident, Alpha Yacon, said.

Cracks and other structural damage were also observed at the adjacent health center and multipurpose hall.

Portions of the concrete road also buckled and developed fissures due to the earthquake.

“Doon muna kami sa dati naming building sa dati naming barangay hall kung saan kami nagasession. Doon muna kami pansamantala. Ngayon lang dito lang kami nag-meeting kasama ng mga kagawad ko para 'di po namin makita 'yung sitwasyon. Parang maging emosyonal po kami na makita ang aming barangay hall,” Barangay Magulibas Chairman Numeriano Salameda Jr. said.

The house of the Bacolod family has lost its walls and is now precariously hanging on the edge of a ravine.

“Dili na Sir kay delikado naman kaayo ang area diri, mangita nalang mi og area kung asa mi makakita.

Trauma gyud tanan mga anak nako. Mulinog lang og gamay makuratan dayon. Muaksyon dayon og hilak, kulbaan gyud sila,” another resident, Leandro Bacolod, said.

The local government has called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and neighboring local government units to assist in road clearing operations on roads that remain impassable due to landslides.

Affected areas include Barangays Tabayon, Malalan, Tanuman, Nuing, Butulan, Sugal, Patulang, Kitayo, Balangonan, and Cayaponga. —GMA Regional TV