Water filtration systems sent to quake-hit Surigao

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has sent water filtration systems to quake-hit Surigao province following problems of water shortage in the area.

“Nagpadagdag tayo ng water filtration systems, five units at may five teams na kasama para ma-augment ang pangangailangan for drinking water,” NDRRMC spokesperson Mina Marasigan said on Monday.

The disaster agency also dispatched aqua tabs or water purifying tablets.

Water services have become scarce since the 6.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday due to busted water pipes.

READ: 6.7 magnitude earthquake rocks Surigao City

The NDRRMC sent a fresh batch of relief supplies on Sunday morning on a C-130 plane of the Air Force that landed in Butuan City.

These items include mosquito nets, generator sets, solar lamps energy biscuits, blankets and plastic mats.

Marasigan said the death toll in the earthquake has reached eight, with four already confirmed by the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Of the 202 injured, 140 have been identified, she added.

There were also 1,034 houses damaged in Surigao, with 155 totally destroyed.

Damage to infrastructure was placed at P108.45 million but it could still go higher as  assessment is still ongoing, she added.

The building of temporary learning centers is also being considered, Marasigan said.

“Tinitgnan natin itong alternatibo para hindi madisrupt ang pag-aaral,” she said.

Classes remained  suspended in Surigao City to ensure the safety of the students.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology earlier warned of aftershocks that could last for several days or weeks. RAM/rga