CDRRMO Head Alfredo Baloran said the risk assessment team and structural engineers from City Engineer’s Office conducted an assessment at the City Hall of Davao, and the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
“There is no major damage, the buildings are suitable for occupancy,” he said in a City Information Office report.
However, Baloran said minor hairline cracks were reported at Jacinto Health Center and Mintal elementary school, which temporarily suspended occupancy in one of its buildings that sustained a crack.
Matina Crossing Overpass was also advised to be closed by the barangay due to the additional cracks noticed. The CEO has already committed to prioritizing the assessment for the overpass.
Baloran, meanwhile, said 10 students (seven from Daniel R. Aguinaldo Elementary School and three from Holy Cross of Calinan) were reported to have fainted due to the quake.
He said these students immediately regained consciousness and were fetched by their parents that night.
Baloran said that despite these reports, he was thankful that the infrastructure damage reported was only minor.
“So far we are thankful to God since we do not have major damage, and we also do not have loss of life or injury due to the shaking,” he said.
Baloran, likewise advised those schools with four storeys or more that they should ensure that the students were properly guided at the onset of the quake, and teachers should remain calm and should not panic because it may also lead to panic among students.
He said the safety of students who may gather near the roads after the quake should also be considered.
Baloran further said that re-orientation of teachers, especially the newly hired, on disaster risk reduction and management is a must.
Baloran underscored the Department of Education institutionalization of disaster risk reduction and management measures in schools.
“DepEd really practices that in the event of ground shaking the safety of the students are ensured,” he said.
Baloran advised Davaoeños to immediately report even hairline cracks they observed on their buildings.
In Mawab, Davao de Oro, personnel of Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) observed cracks in San Roque Church, Mawab Public Library, and the town's Birthing Facility.
The office also reported damages in grocery stores in the town.