NORTH COTABATO, Philippines – The municipal government of Makilala yesterday declared the town under a state of calamity due to a series of earthquakes that damaged 80 houses and a chapel last Saturday.
Makilala Mayor Rudy Caogdan said at least 1,040 villagers were displaced in the quakes that shook parts of this province and villages along the border of Davao del Sur.
Caogdan said the quakes also damaged a barangay hall and 11 school buildings.
“People panicked. Thank God no one was killed or hurt in the earthquakes,” he said.
He said they placed the town under a state of calamity to hasten the release of funds needed to help displaced residents.
Caoagdan said government engineers closed all 11 damaged school buildings to prevent anyone from being hurt.
“Teachers have been informed not to hold classes in those buildings,” he said.
The mayor said evacuees from earthquake-stricken areas are temporarily housed in makeshift relief sites and government buildings.