Davao oriental: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday announced the opening of an evacuation center and the installation of “smart houses” to assist earthquake victims in the provinces of Davao Oriental and Cebu.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DPWH shared via a social media post that a Regional Evacuation Center has been opened in Manay, Davao Oriental for families affected by the recent magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 earthquakes. The initiative to provide secure and safe temporary shelter for the victims was directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

In addition to the temporary shelters, the DPWH has deployed a tanker capable of supplying 20,000 liters of water to the evacuees in the region. This aid aims to address immediate needs and ensure the well-being of those displaced by the seismic events.

In Cebu province, the DPWH revealed that it has installed smart, or prefabricated, houses at the San Remigio Tent City. This effort is in collaboration with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). To support the infrastructure, electric poles have been erected to ensure a consistent electricity supply in the area.

The northern part of Cebu recently experienced a magnitude 6.9 earthquake on September 30, leading to over 70 reported fatalities. In response to the disaster, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited the affected communities in Davao Oriental, delivering over PHP298 million in aid to bolster local recovery efforts.