Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Caraga Region (DSWD-13) and the Office of Civil Defense-13 have delivered over PHP 7.1 million in aid to families affected by a series of strong earthquakes that have struck the area since last week. This initiative aims to support the communities as they recover from the significant impact of the natural disasters.
According to Philippines News Agency, the tremors were felt largely in Mindanao, with the epicenter located in Manay town, Davao Oriental. The region experienced a magnitude 7.4 earthquake followed by a 6.8 magnitude quake on October 10, along with subsequent aftershocks. In response to these events, DSWD-13 has distributed PHP1.7 million worth of Family Food Packs (FFPs) to various affected areas.
A total of 2,980 FFPs were distributed to residents in Surigao del Sur, particularly in Hinatuan, San Agustin, and Lining, as well as in the Agusan del Sur towns of San Luis, Santa Josefa, and La Paz. Additionally, the OCD-13 has provided PHP5.4 million worth of non-food items to the provinces of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur since the earthquakes began.
The non-food aid includes essential shelter repair kits and hygiene kits to assist those whose homes have been damaged. Agusan del Sur received 547 shelter repair and hygiene kits valued at PHP2.84 million, while Surigao del Sur was provided with 487 sets of kits worth PHP2.54 million. In total, 1,504 houses in the region were reported damaged, with 1,491 partially impaired and 13 completely destroyed.
Furthermore, the OCD-13 reported that 74,483 families, or 268,784 individuals, have been affected across 236 barangays. Fortunately, the region has reported no deaths or missing persons, although 132 individuals sustained injuries during the earthquakes.
The earthquakes also caused infrastructure damage totaling PHP40.97 million, with an additional PHP60,000 in damage to other assets, but agricultural sectors remained unaffected. Despite the challenges, major road networks and bridges remain passable, and key airports and seaports continue to operate, ensuring connectivity and access for ongoing relief efforts.