Surigao quake damage reaches P688 million

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Surigao del Norte has released its damage assessment following the magnitude 6.7 earthquake that occurred on Feb. 10. 

PDRRMO officer-in-charge Engr. Marlyn Pono said the total damage caused by the quake and its aftershocks reached P668 million. 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 provincial government buildings 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.

Governor Sol Matugas recommended that there should be a regular evaluation of public and private infrastructures such as buildings, bridges and other structures to ensure that they can withstand strong earthquakes and enjoined Phivolcs and barangay officials to determine open spaces for safe refuge when earthquakes occur and craft evacuation plans that would help the people find out the fastest and safest way to reach open spaces and other safe areas.