State of calamity declared due to quake

ILIGAN CITY, Philippines – A state of calamity was declared yesterday in one of the barangays affected by the magnitude 6 earthquake in Wao, Lanao del Sur on April 12.

With the declaration, the local government can tap its calamity fund to assist affected residents in Barangay Serran.

The municipal disaster risk reduction and management office (MDRRMO) reported that damage to infrastructure in at least 15 barangays was initially placed at around P25 million.

The Department of Public Works and Highways started repair works on the national highway in Barangay Panang, which was damaged by the quake. Four mosques, two churches, a three-story pension house, a barangay hall and the Wao District Hospital also sustained damage.

The MDRRMO said it provided assistance to 777 families or 3,501 people in Wao.

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao sent a team to assess the extent of the damage, which would be the basis for declaring a state of calamity in the entire town. 

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said at least 314 aftershocks have been recorded since the quake struck.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that food and non-food items worth around P500,000 were provided to affected residents.

The DSWD said a team from its main office flew to the province yesterday to distribute tents, sacks, high-energy biscuits, plastic mats and blankets.

The agency is coordinating with its field offices to determine the number of affected families.