MANILA, Philippines — The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) alert status in the Davao Region was raised to Red Alert, its Office of Civil Defense (OCD XI) said on Saturday.
The magnitude 6.8 earthquake on Friday was recorded in the region, particularly in the waters off Sarangani, Davao Occidental.
According to OCD XI, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) raised the status to intensify close monitoring in the region and ensure immediate mobilization of resources at the regional level, especially in areas affected by the strong earthquake.
“All Local DRRM Offices and RDRRMC member agencies have been directed to monitor closely their areas of responsibility and coordinate with the RDRRMC XI EOC for immediate response actions, when necessary,” the OCD XI said in a statement.
OCD XI likewise said that as of 11:00 p.m. on Friday, minor damages to infrastructure were reported in Davao City, and in the Municipalities of Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani in Davao Occidental.
The agency also said that 174 individuals in Davao City and four families in Jose Abad Santos were displaced.
Power interruptions were also noted in the Province of Davao Occidental, though electricity has already been restored.
In an INQUIRER.net interview with OCD XI Regional Director Ednar Dayanghirang, he said that a male senior citizen died in Jose Abad Santos after a rock fell on him.
Dayanghirang also noted that one injury was recorded in the Municipality of Sarangani.
The regional director further said that authorities are conducting a Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis this Saturday to get further information and validation of the reported damage in areas affected by the earthquake.
“Today, this morning, they are out on the field. It will take them two to three days to complete the job, but we’re asking for daily updates,” he said over the phone.
Meanwhile, the OCD XI noted that the EOC of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is at the blue alert status.
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