Mindanao earthquake: DILG urges LGUs to audit infrastructure

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged local government units in Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region and Soccsksargen to audit their infrastructure following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that rocked Mindanao earlier this week.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DILG said it had issued advisories to the governors and mayors of the three affected regions “to conduct rapid structural assessments of affected structures, particularly those located in heavily impacted areas or showing visible signs of damage.”

“Buildings must be assessed and cleared before people are allowed to return. Where structures are found to be unsafe, LGUs are advised to take immediate protective measures, including evacuation and temporary relocation, to prevent further risk to residents,” it added.

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READ: Mindanao earthquake death toll rises to 45 – NDRRMC

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The earthquake struck 32 kilometers southwest of Maasim, Sarangani at 7:37 a.m. on Monday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

The death toll from the tremor rose to 45 on Wednesday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

As part of response measures, the DILG ordered the LGUs affected to coordinate with Phivolcs, their local DRRMC office, the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Department of Public Works and Highways in carrying out inspections of their buildings.

The department noted that it had an infrastructure audit tool which was now being used by 208 LGUs in Mindanao so far.

At least 3,302 LGU-owned buildings in Mindanao have been audited by the DILG’s infrastructure tool as of May 15, the agency further detailed. /mcm

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HELP MINDANAO EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

The Inquirer Foundation is calling for support for communities devastated by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao.

In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, the foundation is amplifying appeals for food, clean water and other critical assistance for affected families.

Donors may send contributions directly to the Philippine Red Cross through its official transfer channels, the complete list is available on the PRC’s Facebook page.

The Philippine Red Cross has activated its emergency fund campaign and deployed teams on the ground to provide medical services, distribute relief goods and extend psychosocial support to affected families.

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