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Southern Leyte 5.8 earthquake aftermath

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Southern Leyte is grappling with the aftermath of a magnitude 5.8 earthquake that struck on January 23, 2025. The tremor, centered 10.01 km southeast of San Francisco, caused significant infrastructure damage, landslides, and displacement. Authorities are actively providing relief and assessing risks.


Phivolcs attributed the quake to movement along the Philippine Fault, warning residents to avoid six hazardous areas: Pres. Quezon (Liloan); Malico, Tuno, and Pinamudlan (San Francisco); and Nueva Estrella Norte and Sur (Pintuyan). A rockfall was also reported along Liloan Roadcut on the national highway.

In Saint Bernard, a landslide forced 40 people to evacuate to Barangay Magbagacay. Other high-risk areas, including Ayahag and Guinsaugon, saw evacuations amid fears of further landslides. In Maasin City, six families from Sitio Caiyanuhan, Barangay Lunas, were relocated due to ground movement worsened by heavy rains.


In San Francisco, the Sangguniang Bayan Building and gym developed visible cracks, while Pintuyan reported minor structural damage. Padre Burgos saw damage at Cantutang Elementary School and a house under construction, and Manhilo Elementary School in Maasin City sustained cracks in one classroom.


Relief efforts were also ongoing. On January 24, the PSWDO and PDRRMO distributed PHP315,620 worth of aid, including 277 food packs and six modular tents, to affected families in San Francisco. Additional assistance reached 228 families in Pintuyan on January 27.


To address housing needs, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) pledged shelter aid, with over 190 houses affected in San Francisco alone. Local governments, assisted by the DPWH Southern Leyte Second District Engineering Office, are assessing damaged homes. The OCD is supplying materials such as fiber cement and roofing sheets.


Access to potable water remains a concern. The San Francisco municipal government has been asked to submit a repair proposal for its damaged water system, while bottled water is being distributed as a temporary solution.


Authorities are also prioritizing psychosocial support for students traumatized by the earthquake. Mental health interventions are being coordinated in affected communities.


Residents are urged to stay vigilant, follow safety advisories, and cooperate with local authorities as recovery efforts continue.
(Source: Philippine News Agency and Radyo Pilipinas Sogod)

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