Around half a million individuals have already been affected by the doublet earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks that struck Davao Oriental and nearby provinces last week, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Monday, Oct. 13.
In its latest situational report, the NDRRMC stated that a total of 131,827 families, or 520,185 individuals, were affected by the twin earthquakes in Davao (Region 11) and Caraga (Region 13), encompassing seven provinces, 45 cities, 331 municipalities, and 331 barangays.
The death toll remained at eight, while the number of injured people climbed to 403.
The agency said 8,868 people were also taking shelter in 18 evacuation centers.
Authorities also reported 2,102 damaged houses and 548 damaged infrastructures.
The estimated cost of infrastructure damage reached P100.26 million.
The twin quakes, measuring magnitude 7.4 and 6.8, both originated off the coast of Manay, Davao Oriental, on Oct. 10.
As of 8 p.m. on Oct. 12, a total of 1,148 aftershocks had been recorded, with 526 plotted and 14 felt, ranging from magnitude 1.2 to 6.8.
Despite the widespread damage, authorities said lifelines have been largely restored. Power, water supply, and communication lines, which were initially disrupted in several areas, have now been fully restored in the Davao and Caraga regions.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has so far provided P26.8 million worth of assistance to affected families, including 24,358 family food packs.
Local government units, along with police and military forces, continue to conduct clearing operations and provide relief in heavily affected areas as aftershocks persist. (Martin Sadongdong)
