7.8-magnitude Mindanao quake damage hits P666.5 million; damaged houses reach over 12,000

The total estimated cost of infrastructure damage caused by the 7.8-magnitude Mindanao earthquake climbed to P666.5 million, while the number of damaged houses dramatically increased to 12,641, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

Infrastructure damage remains concentrated in Regions XI and XII, Bernardo Rafaelito R. Alejandro IV, assistant secretary of OCD said.

“We are continuously assessing and deploying our field units to determine the totality of the damage and impact of this earthquake,” Mr. Alejandro said in a live video update.

“We’re also checking its effect on the agricultural sector,” he added.

Of the more than 12,000 damaged houses, 2,289 were totally damaged, while 10,352 were reported as partially damaged.

Some lifeline infrastructure remains impassable, including eight roads and two bridges in the two regions,” Mr. Alejandro said. However, a total of 37 affected roads and six bridges in the same regions have already been repaired.

The General Santos International Airport, which has halted operations since Monday, is also expected to resume operations either today or tomorrow, Friday, Mr. Alejandro said.

Meanwhile, casualties following the strong quake climbed to 47, while the number of missing and injured individuals also increased to 31 and 688, respectively.

All casualties were reported in the same two regions and remain subject to validation, except for one injured individual.

Relief assistance amounting to P26.3 million, consisting of food and non-food items as well as financial assistance, has already been provided to affected families by concerned agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Mr. Alejandro said.

Nearly one million family food packs are also on standby for distribution.

Search, rescue, and retrieval operations are ongoing, with more than 3,000 uniformed personnel deployed. — Edg Adrian A. Eva