Surigao del Sur, a province in the Philippines, has been placed under a state of calamity following a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck off its coasts on December 2, 2023. This declaration was made by the provincial government, with Resolution No. 1410-23 being issued on Wednesday. The resolution was enacted to address the effects of the earthquake and the subsequent recurring tremors and aftershocks.
The declaration of a state of calamity is a crucial step in aiding the community after the earthquake. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that more than 30% of the province’s population was affected by the quake. Data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed that as of 8 p.m. on Tuesday, the quake had killed three people and injured 48. The NDRRMC also recorded 3,336 aftershocks from the magnitude 7.4 tremor.
In addition to the immediate impact on human life, the earthquake caused significant damage to property and infrastructure. According to data, 116,217 families were affected, over 800 houses were totally destroyed, and 1,141 more were partially damaged. The damage to infrastructure and agriculture has already reached more than ₱110.93 million. In response, Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel announced the cancellation of Christmas parties for all local government units, stating that the funds meant for these festivities would be redirected to assist the victims of the earthquake.
This disaster highlights the ongoing challenges of natural calamities in the Philippines and the need for effective disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.