Itbayat, Batanes residents still in tents in plaza two days after quakes

The residents of Itbayat, Batanes on Monday were still staying in their tents put up at the town plaza after a series of earthquakes hit the municipality on Saturday.

In an interview on GMA News' Unang Balita, Itbayat Mayor Raul de Sagon said residents have not yet been given the go signal to return to their homes since authorities are still checking the stability of buildings and houses.

"Hangga't hindi tapos 'yung DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways] and the barangay 'yung assessment nila dahil umiikot sila para i-assess ang mga buildings [hindi muna pauuwiin ang mga residente]," de Sagon said.

According to GMA News reporter Bam Alegre, though living in tents is difficult, the residents remained warm and united.

Living in tents at night is difficult after the Itbayat, Batanes earthquakes. But the stars are all out tonight, the breeze is cool and the Ivatans are warm and united. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/J8WIhUSRK9

— Bam Alegre (@BamAlegre_) July 28, 2019

De Sagon added that there were still aftershocks although milder compared to the ones on Sunday.

"Mayroon pa ring mga aftershocks bagama't mahina-hina na compared to the day after," de Sagon said.

The town of Itbayat was hit by a magnitude 5.4 earthquake at 4:16 a.m. on Saturday. Three hours later, at 7:38 a.m., a magnitude 5.9 quake struck. After a couple of hours, at 9:24 a.m., a magnitude 5.4 aftershock was recorded.

Eight people died, one person was missing and 63 were injured. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Sunday said at least 2,963 people were affected.

More than 200 aftershocks have already been recorded, according to a report by Bam Alegre on Dobol B sa News TV.

The aftershocks' movement is vertical or up and down, he added.

Residents who had to get items from their homes would dash inside and quickly exit their residences.

The cost of damage brought by the series of earthquakes has reached P47 million, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Monday (NDRRMC).

Many old limestone houses crumbled, as did the belfry of a church.

De Sagon said they have received relief goods for the immediate needs of the residents.

"'Yung mga initial na kailangan, natugunan na. Marami pang dumarating pa na tulong," he said.

According to Alegre's report on Dobol B sa News TV, the distribution of relief goods has been orderly.

There were also medical teams on standby.

The Ivatan residents remained cooperative and optimistic despite the disaster, Alegre added.

The mayor said they have to address the need to repair damaged houses and classrooms immediately.

"We're starting to look at the immediate term which is 'yung pagre-repair ng mga houses namin, identifying 'yung magiging temporary classrooms ng mga bata, at pagtutulungan para makauwi na sa mga bahay," he said.

Sitwasyon sa Itbayat, Batanes matapos ang lindol @gmanews pic.twitter.com/207dl2Rvn0

— Bam Alegre (@BamAlegre_) July 28, 2019

Some buildings were teetering dangerously, while others have cracks, Alegre reported.

The quality of water supply has been affected in the earthquake-hit areas, according Alegre’s report on GMA News Unang Balita on Monday.

Fatalities

The remains of three of the fatalities have not yet been buried.

Their remains were placed in makeshift coffins and situated at the town plaza, where evacuees also settled.

The families of the deceased victims visited Itbayat to see the remains of their loved ones.

On Sunday, some churchgoers still attended the service in front of a broken down church in Itbayat.

Personnel from different government agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Department of Public Works and Highways were present in the affected areas to provide help.

Some private organizations also offered assistance to the victims. —With Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News