Earthquake in Davao de Oro leaves ruins, fear among residents

The magnitude 6 earthquake that jolted New Bataan, Davao De Oro has left not only ruins, but fear among residents, according to Kent Abrigana’s “24 Oras” report on Thursday.

Resident Mary Piastro said she was in shock after a part of their house collapsed in Purok 6, Magsaysay, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro.

She was with her two young children during the incident.

“Parang nataranta, hindi alam anong gagawin ko. Hindi kami nakatakbo kasi na-shock ako. Hinila ko na lang ang mga bata at lumabas,” Piastro said.

Meanwhile, patients from Davao de Oro Provincial Hospital were evacuated to the Davao de Oro Sports Complex.

Personnel from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office  in Montevista, Davao de Oro said they saw cracks in the hospital after the quake.

Patient Gregorio Meroy, 64, said the oxygen tank almost fell down on him due to the strong quake.

“Nung umihi ako, malapit na akong matumbahan ng oxygen tank. Buti na lang sa gilid ko tumama,” he said.

In Monkayo town, several students in a state college were given immediate aid after they felt dizzy due to the quake.

Based on the initial assessment of the provincial government, areas in Montevista, New Bataan, and Compostela suffered severe damages.

“Ito ay isang biyaya para sa amin kasi wala gaanong naging pinsala ang lindol. Sa apat na provincial hospitals, isa 'yung tinamaan at ito pa talaga ang pinakamalaking ospital sa probinsya,” Davao de Oro governor Dorothy Gonzaga said.

Classes and government work offices in the province were temporarily suspended.

Authorities are also inspecting the infrastructure in the area.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA Integrated News