MANILA, Philippines: In a devastating turn of events, a pregnant woman lost her life when the wall of her house collapsed during the powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Surigao del Sur and parts of the Davao region on Saturday night.
The Office of Civil Defense Director for Region 11, Ednar Dayanghirang, confirmed that the woman was pinned to death by the collapsing wall. Tragically, her husband and child were also injured during the earthquake.
Fortunately, apart from this tragic incident in Tagum City, there have been no additional casualties reported across the entire Davao Region, according to Dayanghirang.
The earthquake, which struck at 10 p.m., prompted the evacuation of approximately 10,000 individuals from five areas in Davao, particularly those residing in coastal municipalities. Their safety became a priority as the tremors shook the region.
In Mati, Davao Oriental, around 2,000 individuals sought refuge at the town capitol building to ensure their safety.
Dayanghirang highlighted that a preliminary assessment revealed cracks in three bridges located in Davao City, Tagum City, and a neighboring municipality. As a precautionary measure, these bridges have been closed to traffic until they can be deemed safe for use.
Officials are currently conducting extensive rapid assessments on various buildings in the quake-affected areas, with a special focus on inspecting the structural integrity of school buildings. Ensuring the safety of these structures is crucial for the well-being of students and staff.
Dayanghirang emphasized that all relevant officials, including local chief executives and disaster officers, should heed the warnings issued by the Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), particularly regarding the potential threat of tsunamis.
These efforts to assess the impact of the earthquake and prioritize safety reflect the Philippines’ commitment to mitigating the risks associated with natural disasters. The country has a history of experiencing earthquakes due to its geographical location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is prone to seismic activity.
Local authorities and emergency response teams play a crucial role in promptly addressing the aftermath of such events. Their swift actions in evacuating vulnerable communities and assessing the damage to infrastructure are vital for minimizing the loss of life and ensuring the well-being of affected individuals.
Moreover, it is essential to recognize the importance of community preparedness and education in mitigating the impact of earthquakes. The Philippine government, through agencies like Phivolcs, works tirelessly to raise awareness and provide guidance on earthquake preparedness, including the implementation of safety measures in schools and other public buildings.
As the nation mourns the loss of the pregnant woman and prays for the swift recovery of her family, it is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of earthquakes and the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of such natural disasters.
By learning from each event, implementing necessary safety measures, and continuously improving disaster response protocols, the Philippines can strive towards minimizing the impact of earthquakes and protecting the lives of its citizens.
Source: The Manila Times
