- Concrete wall collapses, killing elderly man in Davao City tremor
AN 80-YEAR-OLD man was crushed by a collapsing concrete wall while he was sitting on a monobloc chair along the sidewalk in Barangay Tomas Monteverde, Agdao District, following the Magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck offshore of Manay, Davao Oriental at 9:43 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 10.
Meanwhile, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) identified him as alias Sotero, a resident of Soliman, Tomas Monteverde, who was declared dead on arrival at the Southern Philippines Medical Center.
According to the report from Police Station 1 (Sta. Ana), the concrete wall was a remnant of a previously demolished property. Law enforcers responded to a 911 call to find the lifeless Sotero on the scene.
Dela Cruz was rushed to SPMC but was pronounced dead on arrival at approximately 10:28 a.m. His remains would be transferred to Rivera Funeral Homes.
Meanwhile, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) has already reached out to the victim’s family to provide the necessary assistance.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO)-Central 911 swiftly responded to a total of 347 individuals who experienced fainting or sustained minor injuries. All patients have received proper medical attention and are now in stable condition.
Following the issuance of a Red Alert Status by the Office of Civil Defense for the Davao Region, the Davao City DRRMO has likewise raised its alert status to Red Alert.
All emergency assets were currently prepositioned in preparation for possible aftershocks. Fortunately, there was no active tsunami warning for Davao City.
The City Engineer’s Office, in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), immediately conducted structural assessments of Bankerohan Bridge, Bolton Bridge, Davao River Bridge, and San Rafael Bridge.
No major structural damage was found, and all four bridges were declared safe for vehicular traffic.
“We urge the public to remain calm and vigilant. Please continue to monitor official channels for accurate and timely updates regarding the situation and potential aftershocks,” the CDRRMO said.
Davao Oriental as the epicenter
According to the report, Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang confirmed two fatalities in the province, including one victim in Mati City who was hit by a falling hollow block.
A 30-centimeter tsunami wave was recorded at the Tandag, Surigao del Sur monitoring station at 10:20 a.m. However, PHIVOLCS later canceled the tsunami warning, stating that the effects had largely passed.
Meanwhile, the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao officially lifted the suspension of all sea travel within its area of responsibility (AOR) on Friday afternoon.
Davao City response
The city government suspended work for all non-essential offices and classes at all levels until further notice.
Private offices, including the University of Mindanao (UM), were encouraged to follow suit. Emergency response teams (CDRRMO, CHO, CEO, OCBO) were immediately deployed to conduct rapid assessments.
Widespread damage and evacuations
Mass evacuations took place across the region, particularly in coastal and low-lying areas of Davao Oriental, where residents moved to safe zones like the Provincial Capitol grounds.
Initial reports include a residential building collapse in Lupon, Davao Oriental, damage to the Manay District Hospital, and shattered glass windows at the City Hall in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Structural damage was also reported in Misamis Oriental and Butuan City.
Hospital and school impact
Damage to the Manay District Hospital necessitated the immediate evacuation of patients to temporary shelters set up outside the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center in Mati. Evacuation scenes were widespread, with workers from commercial buildings and residents of high-rises like Avida Towers gathering on the streets.
Other incidents
A chemical spill was reported at San Pedro College in Davao City, requiring a response from the BFP Special Rescue Force (SRF). Meanwhile, in Agusan del Sur, several students fainted after the strong shaking.
