Bridge, homes damaged in Carmen quake

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (UPDATE) – A major bridge and dozens of homes were among the structures damaged in the shallow, magnitude 5.7 earthquake in Carmen, North Cotabato Saturday, June 1.

North Cotabato Gov Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza said in a phone interview Sunday, June 2, that two barangays in the province were affected by the earthquake: Barangay Kimadzil and Barangay Kibugtongan, both in Carmen.

At least 30 semi-concrete houses were damaged by the earthquake, Mendoza said.

Five people, including 4 kids, were brought to the hospital but were already discharged after receiving proper medical treatment.

Many residents also sustained minor injuries, but opted not to seek medical attention in the town’s hospital, Mendoza said.

Several roads were also covered with huge boulders, soil and debris after the earthquake triggered landslides in the area.

“Equipment was already sent in the area to conduct clearing operations,” Mendoza said.

A water system was also damaged and the local fire department has already dispatched personnel to provide clean water to the affected residents.

A school building and 3 classrooms were also wrecked by the earthquake, prompting the local government to temporarily suspend the opening of classes in the area.

“The ceilings of the classrooms gave in. But the foundation of the structures are still ok,” Mendoza said.

Col Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the military’s 6th Infantry Division, said a bridge in Sitio Mutian, Barangay Kimadzil was also damaged by the earthquake.

The bridge connects North Cotabato and Bukidnon.

All vehicles coming from Carmen, North Cotabato to Cagayan de Oro City and vice versa are advised to stand-by or take alternate routes, Hermoso said.

Mendoza said local authorities are presently allowing one-way access to the bridge but they are closely monitoring it.

“DPWH is currently on the ground and assessing the bridge,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza added that Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas was already informed about the initial assessment of the damages.

At least 6 aftershocks were also recorded since Saturday evening.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology posted that the earthquake struck 12 kilometers Northeast of Carmen town in North Cotabato at around 10:10 in the evening.  – Rappler.com