Davao del Sur earthquake damages public infra, houses — NDRRMC

The magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Davao del Sur damaged various structures in Mindanao, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Monday.

In Davao del Sur's Padada town, where three had been confirmed dead due to the collapse of a grocery store, the municipal hall and police station were also partially damaged.

A mall and the belfry of a church in town were likewise partially ruined.

In a separate interview on Dobol B sa News TV, Davao del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Christopher Tan said that some residents of Padada are currently staying in makeshift tents outside their damaged houses.

"Nasa labas sila ng bahay nila, hindi sila pumupunta sa evacuation center like ng barangay gym kasi takot din sila," Tan said.

"'Yung iba nagsama-sama sa isang open space kung saan sila gumawa ng parang tent city," he added.

Meanwhile, the municipal hall of Magsaysay in Davao del Sur was deemed totally damaged by the quake.

Over 10 other public structures such as local government offices, gymnasiums, schools, and hospitals were affected in the provinces of Davao del Sur and Cotabato, according to the NDRRMC.

More than 300 houses were also reported as partially damaged in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. — Dona Magsino/RSJ, GMA News