REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Surigao Del Sur Declares State Of Calamity After 7.4 Quake
Photo credit: Mdrrmo Carmen Sds
In response to the devastating impact of a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the Province of Surigao del Sur on December 2, 2023, and the subsequent recurring tremors and aftershocks, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has passed Resolution No. 1410-23, series of 2023, declaring the entire province under a State of Calamity.
The earthquake, with its epicenter located 29 kilometers northeast of the Municipality of Hinatuan, triggered a tsunami alert, although no destructive tsunami occurred. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Philippine Seismic Network (PSN) recorded a total of 1,700 aftershocks ranging from magnitude 1.4 to 6.2 as of December 4, 2023, with ongoing aftershocks.
The declaration of the State of Calamity was made following the recommendations of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) as outlined in Resolution No. 09, S. 2023. The recommendation was based on damage assessments and the urgent need for relief and rehabilitation efforts.
According to initial reports from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), more than 30% of the province's population is affected, with 237 barangays, 116,217 families, and 480,414 individuals facing the consequences of the earthquake.
Evacuation centers currently shelter 20,977 families, displacing 69,771 individuals. Tragically, there have been two casualties reported, one in Bislig City and another in Barobo, with 17 people sustaining injuries.
The destruction extends to residential areas, with 834 houses totally damaged and 1,141 partially damaged. Infrastructure losses, including government buildings, schools, river dikes, and agriculture, are estimated to be around P110,930,000.00.
The declaration of the State of Calamity empowers the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur to implement remedial measures under Republic Act No. 10121, expediting relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan adopted Resolution No. 1410-23 on December 5, 2023, in the City of Tandag, with unanimous votes from all present members. Copies of the resolution will be furnished to key stakeholders, including Hon. Alexander T. Pimentel, Provincial Governor, and relevant government agencies, for their information, guidance, and appropriate action.
The earthquake, with its epicenter located 29 kilometers northeast of the Municipality of Hinatuan, triggered a tsunami alert, although no destructive tsunami occurred. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Philippine Seismic Network (PSN) recorded a total of 1,700 aftershocks ranging from magnitude 1.4 to 6.2 as of December 4, 2023, with ongoing aftershocks.
The declaration of the State of Calamity was made following the recommendations of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) as outlined in Resolution No. 09, S. 2023. The recommendation was based on damage assessments and the urgent need for relief and rehabilitation efforts.
According to initial reports from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), more than 30% of the province's population is affected, with 237 barangays, 116,217 families, and 480,414 individuals facing the consequences of the earthquake.
Evacuation centers currently shelter 20,977 families, displacing 69,771 individuals. Tragically, there have been two casualties reported, one in Bislig City and another in Barobo, with 17 people sustaining injuries.
The destruction extends to residential areas, with 834 houses totally damaged and 1,141 partially damaged. Infrastructure losses, including government buildings, schools, river dikes, and agriculture, are estimated to be around P110,930,000.00.
The declaration of the State of Calamity empowers the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur to implement remedial measures under Republic Act No. 10121, expediting relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan adopted Resolution No. 1410-23 on December 5, 2023, in the City of Tandag, with unanimous votes from all present members. Copies of the resolution will be furnished to key stakeholders, including Hon. Alexander T. Pimentel, Provincial Governor, and relevant government agencies, for their information, guidance, and appropriate action.
Dec 6, 2023
