Masbate earthquake infra damage balloons to P309 million

The Office of Civil Defense in Bicol said that the magnitude 6.6 earthquake that hit Masbate province on August 18 destroyed P309 million worth of infrastructure, with classrooms being the most severely damaged.

The OCD reported initial damage worth P23.96 million to roads, bridges, and other government infrastructure, and had warned that the figure was expected to rise.

Citing a report from the Department of Education, Claudio Yucot, OCD regional director, said on Wednesday, August 26, that the damages to classrooms, including equipment and learning materials that were destroyed, amounted to P279.05 million. Yucot is also chairman of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC).

The regional OCD report showed that at least 75 schools reported damages; 98 classrooms were totally damaged and need to be replaced; and 171 classrooms need major repairs.

At least 19 schools from the municipalities of Batuan, Cataingan, Dimasalang, Palanas, Pio V. Corpus and Placer were also destroyed.

Damages to barangay health stations in Cataingan town reached some P55,000. (READ: In Photos: Aftermath of magnitude 6.6 earthquake in Masbate)

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Bicol reported that 959 houses were damaged in the earthquake, with 82 homes totally destroyed and 877 partially damaged.

Masbate continues to feel aftershocks more than a week after the earthquake. A 63-year-old retired policeman was killed and 50 others were injured, according to OCD regional report.

An aerial survey by the OCD and the Philippine Air Force shortly after the quake discovered a sea sinkhole in Barangay Kasabangan, Pio V. Corpus, as well as liquefaction – when the soil loses its strength and stiffness due to shaking – in Barangay Matayum, Caitangan. A landslide was also reported in Pio V. Corpus. – Rappler.com