Close to P800-M damage to infra in 3 Mindanao regions: DPWH

FILE: A 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck in Davao City with reported intensity 5, ongoing assessments are being held in different areas. (Photo: City Government of Davao/Facebook)

MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported on Wednesday that the three regions in Mindanao that were hit by earthquakes in the last two weeks incurred an estimated PHP800-million worth of damage to infrastructure.

Based on the report, as of November 6, 10 a.m., the initial worth of damage amounted PHP781.682 million to roads, bridges, school buildings, and other public buildings were recorded in Regions 10 (Northern Mindanao), 11 (Davao Region) and 12 (Soccsksargen).

The DPWH said in Region 10, a total of PHP16.700 million worth of damage to roads was reported. However, the damage to bridges, school buildings, and other public buildings is undergoing assessment.

In Region 11, a total of PHP155.372 million worth of damage to roads (PHP7 million), bridges (PHP3 million), school buildings (PHP137.362 million) and other public buildings (PHP8.010 million).

Of the three regions, Region 12 recorded with the highest cost of damage at PHP609.610 million– in roads (PHP199.760 million); bridges, PHP109.300 million); and school buildings (PHP300.550 million). There is still an ongoing assessment of the damage to other public buildings.

The DPWH reported that it has taken actions as to the repair/restoration of the damaged infrastructures which include the conduct of the rapid initial assessment of possible damages on roads, bridges, and other public buildings by concerned District Engineering Offices.

It also undertook the immediate repair of minor damages on roads and bridges.

A post-earthquake assessment is on-going in Region 11 and 12 by DPWH Teams composed of 52 technical personnel from the Bureau of Design, Bureau of Construction, Bureau of Maintenance, Regional Office and District Engineering Offices.

Continuous monitoring of conviction of national roads and bridges in earthquake-affected areas. Deployment of manpower and equipment (dump truck, backhoe, payloader and loaders, vibratory road roller) to assist the other responding agencies for clearing, relief, search and rescue operations.

The DPWH also assisted the local government unit in clearing operations and provision of equipment for the distribution of relief goods.

The southern part of the country was hit by a 6.3 magnitude last October 16, the 6.6 magnitude last October 29, and the 6.5 magnitude last October 31.

The earthquakes left 22 people dead and displaced thousands of others.