Quake-hit areas in Surigao del Sur to get gov’t aid, says Romualdez

Several people in Butuan City suffered hyperventilation amid the strong shaking on Saturday night, December 2, 2023, due to the magnitude 7.4 quake off Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. (Photo by ERWIN M. MASCARIÑAS / Inquirer Mindanao)

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Sunday assured residents rattled by the magnitude 7.4 earthquake off Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, that they will receive immediate and long-term aid from the government

He said the House of Representatives is already coordinating with key agencies to ensure a swift response to affected areas.

“The House of Representatives acknowledges the severity of this disaster and is actively coordinating with relevant government agencies to ensure prompt and comprehensive support,” Romualdez said in a statement.

READ: Residents begin to return home after Surigao del Sur quake kills one

“Our commitment is to provide immediate relief and long-term assistance to the communities in distress.,” he added.

Romualdez said the House is ready to mobilize resources to help the victims of the powerful earthquake, which triggered tsunami warnings from Filipino and Japanese authorities.

“We are prepared to mobilize resources and pass urgent measures that can aid in the recovery and rebuilding efforts. The welfare and safety of our citizens are of utmost importance, and we will work tirelessly to address their needs during this critical time,” the Speaker stressed.

Romualdez also appealed to his colleagues in the House to extend help to quake victims in Surigao del Sur.

“I call upon my colleagues in the House and all sectors of society to join forces in extending help and compassion to our brothers and sisters in Surigao del Sur. Together, we will overcome this challenge and rebuild stronger and more resilient communities,” he said.

On Saturday night, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the region near Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

Phivolcs initially issued a tsunami alert in the coastal areas affected by the earthquake but lifted the warning on Sunday morning.

Initial data collated by Hinatuan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) showed that some properties sustained damage from the temblor.

Another earthquake hit Surigao Del Sur province less than two hours later, at 12:03 a.m., on Sunday, Phivolcs also said. The 6.1-magnitude quake was recorded near Lingig town.

Phivolcs has been logging several aftershocks in Surigao del Sur following the strong tremor.