State of calamity declared in Makilala, Cotabato due to quake

KIDAPAWAN CITY –– The town council of Makilala on Thursday placed the town under a state of calamity due to the damage caused by the magnitude 6.3 tremor that shook a large part of Mindanao Wednesday evening.

Makilala Vice Mayor Ryan Tabanay said the town council approved during its special session Thursday Resolution No. 2019-46 to pave the way for the use of calamity funds to help affected residents.

Makilala sits near the epicenter of the tremor where at least 63 houses were damaged and caused minor injuries to 24 people, reports from the town’s disaster management officials said.

Town administrator Sheryl Orbita said some structures such as chapels, and the ceiling of the municipal hall were damaged.

In Tulunan town, at least nine structures were recommended for immediate repair and reconstruction due to cracks on the walls.

The village halls of Paraiso, Batang and New Caridad, as well as the New Caridad High School, and birthing homes, were damaged.

At least 60 houses in these villages were also damaged. Four people suffered minor injuries.

Classes remained suspended in Tulunan, Makilala, and Mlang, and Kidapawan City.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported at least 300 aftershocks as of posting time./lzb