Death toll in Davao Oriental quake now at 8 - NDRRMC

Metro Manila, Philippines - The death toll in the powerful Friday earthquake in Davao Oriental rose to eight, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 1.

After the “doublet earthquake” that struck Manay, Davao Oriental, OCD Assistant Secretary Rafael Alejandro IV said authorities have recorded three fatalities in Davao Oriental, four in Davao de Oro, and one in Davao City.

Alejandro said the tally was up for validation.

On Friday, Phivolcs recorded a 7.4-magnitude earthquake at 9:43 a.m, then a 6.8-magnitude at 7:12 p.m. The two distinct earthquakes jolted waters near Manay.

The provincial government of Davao Oriental reported at least 360 individuals were hurt after the tremors.

Alejandro also said responders have mostly been deployed to Pantukan town in Davao de Oro, where many landslide incidents have been recorded.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Education Secretary Sonny Angara inspected Davao Oriental on Saturday.

Dizon said their initial assessment showed all national roads in Davao region were passable but local roads were damaged.

He said the Department of Public Works and Highways provided quick response assets to the provincial government to fast-track clearing operations.

Angara, meanwhile, said the Department of Education received reports of 575 damaged schools, needing around P2.23 billion of funds for repairs.

Manay district hospital damaged

Alejandro said hospitals in Mati town and nearby areas were “overwhelmed,” with patients being treated outside the facilities.

“Kailangan mag-establish ng alternative ng health facilities or temporary medical tents. Ito ay ina-address ng Department of Health,” he said, adding that hospital repairs must be expedited.

[Translation: Authorities need to establish alternative health facilities or temporary medical tents, which is being addressed by the Department of Health.]

To help in treating patients, the Philippine Red Cross has set up a 10-bed emergency room complex at the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center in Mati.

But at the epicenter of the quake, Manay District Hospital suffered severe damage and was unusable.

“Hindi natin siya magagamit muna [We cannot use it for now],” Dizon said of the Manay District Hospital. “It’s too dangerous and none of the seven buildings were cleared for use.”

He said the old hospital may need complete reconstruction.

Dr. Bernadette Rivera, the officer-in-charge of the local hospital, said the emergency room was unsafe.

“Sa ward, hindi kami confident magpasok doon. Mas safe kami pag andito lang kami sa labas,” Rivera said, according to a video posted by state news outlet Philippine News Agency.

[Translation: We’re not confident to put patients in the emergency room. We are more safe here outside.]

Thousands of evacuees

The OCD said close to 478,000 people across Davao region and Caraga have been affected.

As of Saturday afternoon, the agency said nearly 11,000 individuals took shelter in evacuation centers.

Alejandro said the Department of Social Welfare and Development has so far provided P3.9 million worth of aid.

The government assured there is enough stockpile of family food packs for displaced locals.