Surigao del Sur placed under a state of calamity

People evacuate following an earthquake, in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines, on December 2, 2023. (Photo from Hinatuan LGU/Handout via REUTERS)

MANILA, Philippines – The provincial government of Surigao del Sur has placed the entire province under a state of calamity after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off its coasts on Saturday evening (December 2).

The provincial council issued Resolution No. 1410-23 on Wednesday, declaring a state of calamity, following Hinatuan town’s similar declaration the previous day.

“Be it resolved that by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Surigao del Sur to declare the entire province of Surigao del Sur under State of Calamity due to the effects of the magnitude 7.4 offshore earthquake that struck the Province on December 2, 2023 and the subsequent recurring tremors and big aftershocks,” the resolution read.

The provincial government emphasized declaring a state of calamity is a crucial step in aiding the community after the temblor.

Surigao del Sur’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said more than 30 percent of the province’s population was affected by the earthquake.

Data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed as of 8 p.m. on Tuesday, the quake reportedly killed three and injured 48 individuals.

NDRRMC has logged 3,336 aftershocks from the magnitude 7.4 tremor as of 4 p.m. the same day.