A state of calamity has been declared in Caraga, Davao Oriental following the massive destruction caused by the powerful twin earthquakes that rocked the province on Friday, October 10, 2025.

The local government said all 17 barangays in the town have been affected by the magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 earthquakes.

The decision to declare a state of calamity was made on Saturday evening after local authorities conducted an initial assessment of the widespread damage to homes, public buildings, and other infrastructures.

The Municipal Hall of Caraga was found to be unsafe for use because of the damage it sustained, based on the structural assessment by the municipal engineer.

Local government personnel will have to transfer their operations to the town’s gymnasium, where a mega tent will be set up to serve as an office.

“As per instruction ni Mayor Osnan po kami po ay magdu-duty sa aming gvmnasium at saka magre-ready po kami ng mega tent doon ilalatag ang tables at computers po namin,” Matarando, added.

The Senior San Salvador Del Mundo Parish Church in Barangay Poblacion was also damaged.

The firewall of a school also collapsed.

Clearing operations in the area where landslide occurred continue, as of this writing.

Several residents were also displaced after their houses collapsed or sustained heavy damage.

A resident expressed regret, saying their home – built through years of hard work with her husband in 2012 – was completely destroyed.

Despite the loss, she remains grateful that they were not inside the house when the strong tremors hit.

“Swerte mi kay wala mi diri naa mi sa pikas barrio kay fiesta doon. Kasi kung andito kami patay kaming mag asawa, Sa karon lisod kaayo wala mi kabalo asa mi padulong kung unsa among buhaton na trauma gyud mi sa panghitabo,” affected resident, Lobenia Taming, said.

A nearby house owned by Delfin Moring also collapsed.

“Sobrang hirap, ulan, hangin, lindol na naman kagabi lindol din madaling araw ganon,” Moring said.

The back portion of another house also collapsed due to the strong tremor, causing cracks on the walls and floors. The family now sleeps outside as it is no longer safe to stay indoors.

They also struggle to find food since their livelihood has been disrupted by the earthquake.

“Ang kailangan po namin ngayon materyales wala po kaming pangbayad kagaya ngayon wala kaming hanapbuhay pano yan ngayon nalilito na po kami,” another resident affected said.

With the declaration of a state of calamity, the local government can now access emergency funds and expedite relief and rehabilitation efforts for the affected families in the town.

"Rest assured po na yong fund will be used and rationalize po for the support sa pamimigay ng tulong sa apektado and pagrestore ng facilities na nasira dahil sa lindol,” Caraga Municipal Information Officer, Joshua Matarando, said.