Pregnant lady among casualties in Hinatuan quake, Defense chief says

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay on October 18, 2023. | PHOTO: INQUIRER.net / Arnel Tacson

MANILA, Philippines — One pregnant lady reportedly died due to the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck off the coast of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur on Saturday, Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro confirmed on Sunday.

He added that four others were injured, but no one was missing due to the calamity.

Meanwhile, Teodoro said that a total of 529 families, or 2,648 individuals, were affected.

Two bridges were also damaged due to the temblor, he added.

“Power has been restored in all areas. There is a suspension of classes in the province of Davo del Norte, and we expect the local government units, after their examination, to determine if they will further suspend classes or not,” Teodoro said in a press briefing.

Those who evacuated have also returned to their homes after the state seismologist lifted the tsunami alert early Sunday.

READ: PH lifts tsunami alert after strong earthquake in Surigao del Sur

On the other hand, for those whose houses were destroyed by the quake, Teodoro said that personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development are already working on providing temporary shelter for the quake victims.

READ: Phivolcs: Movement in PH trench caused 7.4-magnitude quake in Hinatuan

There have also been no delays in providing responses to the residents as reported by Hinatuan Mayor Shem Garay and the regional director of the Office of Civil Defense, he added.

Teodoro also noted that its national response cluster has been activated as its operations for the magnitude 6.8 quake that hit Sarangani on November 17 have already lessened.