Masbate quake: DPWH estimates P23.96M of damages to infra 

In this photo provided by the Philippine Red Cross, debris are scattered at a house after a magnitude 6.6 quake struck in Cataingan, Masbate province, central Philippines on Tuesday Aug. 18, 2020. A powerful and shallow earthquake struck a central Philippine region Tuesday, prompting people to dash out of homes and offices but there were no immediate reports of injuries or major damage. (John Mark Lalaguna/Philippine National Red Cross via AP)

MANILA, Philippines — The damage to the infrastructure brought by the magnitude 6.6 earthquake in Masbate and other areas was estimated to be at P23.96 million, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

In a statement on Wednesday, DPWH said that several bridges, roads, and public buildings were damaged due to the earthquake that hit on Tuesday morning.  Partial cost of damages on roads amounted to P5.64 million, while it was estimated at P8.96 million for bridges and P9.35 million for public buildings.

All national roads are still passable, but there are sections especially in Masbate Island that show cracks on the pavement.

“Assessment revealed that the following sections along Masbate-Cataingan-Placer Road were damaged: expansion joint of Gahit Bridge at K0070+420 in Cataingan; slope protection of the abutments of Nipa Bridge at K0022+080 and expansion joint of Nabangig Bridge at K0077+150 both in Palanas,” DPWH said.

“DPWH has installed road warning signs and safety devices along affected sections to guide motoring public,” it added.

Other bridges and roads damaged include the following:

Uson town

• Girder of Pinangapugan Bridge at K0035+040, pile cap (jacketing)
• Slope protection of Impapanan Bridge at K0022+322
• Girder of Marcella Bridge at K0022+080
• Road pavement damage at K0034+920 – K0036+000

Cataingan

• Road pavement damage at K0077+150
• K0075+836 section of Cataingan-Poblacion Road in Barangay Poblacion, damage box culvert

Palanas

• Road pavement damage at K0070+680,

Placer

• Road pavement damage at K0085+150 – K0085+250

“In Camarines Sur, DPWH assessment team noted minor damage at bank protection of Panganiban Bridge at K0482+425 in Barangay Nierva, Nabua town,” DPWH said.

Aside from that, DPWH’s Bureau of Maintenance also reported damages to the following buildings: walls, partitions, tiles and glass door of DPWH Masbate 3rd District Engineering Office Building in Balocawe, Dimasalang; damage on columns, walls, and partitions of Palanas Police Station Building in Poblacion, Palanas; damage on roofing and firewall of Inocencio Central School Building in Villa-Inonencio, Placer; Cataingan Public Market and Cataingan Port in Poblacion, Cataingan;
Dimasalang Port in Poblacion, Dimasalang town.

Earlier, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that state seismologists have already recorded over 200 aftershocks since Tuesday’s earthquake, including the magnitude 5.1 that hit 12 kilometers southwest of Cataingan early Wednesday morning.

Phivolcs previously said that minor to moderate aftershocks are possible, although they are not discounting that stronger earthquakes may still occur.

In its primer after the earthquake, Phivolcs advised residents and local governments to avoid visibly-damaged and collapsed buildings as the structural integrity may worsen with aftershocks.

They also urged people in affected areas to inspect buildings and roads for possible cracks, as it may lead to more damage and possible landslides.

“The expected aftershocks may also cause further damage to already weakened structures. In the case of houses and other buildings with visible damage, it is best to contact the concerned Municipal/City Engineering Office for advice,” Phivolcs said.

“Civil engineers from the local government, other agencies and organizations are strongly enjoined to inspect buildings and infrastructure to determine their integrity and recommend appropriate actions to the affected population. Structurally compromised buildings should not be reoccupied unless certified safe by structural engineers,” it added.

JPV