No one injured in the separate incidents
TACLOBAN CITY – A massive fire and a series of earthquakes have left residents of this city and in Hernani, Eastern Samar reeling from devastation and fear.
About 78 families, consisting of more than 390 individuals, lost their homes after a fire ravaged a depressed community in this city on Monday morning, February 17.
The blaze broke out in Barangay 39, Calvary Hill, at around 7:47 a.m. and was declared under control by 9:04 a.m., after burning 36 houses, most of which were made of light materials.
City fire director Chief Inspector Anthony de la Paz said authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
“We cannot yet determine the cause of the incident as the investigation is still ongoing. However, we can confirm that no one was hurt or injured,” he said in a media interview.
Initial reports suggest that the fire started in the house of Letecia Ayaso, with a plugged-in mobile phone charger that exploded as the possible cause.
Firefighters from the City Fire Office, assisted by private fire volunteers and fire stations from neighboring towns, struggled to put out the flames as the houses were closely packed, and strong winds fanned the fire.
Fire victim Rosalinda Mascarinas said she had to flee her home upon seeing thick smoke billowing from her neighbor’s house.
“We were unable to save anything except for some personal documents,” she said, adding that even their pet cat was left behind.
The displaced families are currently staying at the barangay hall or with relatives.
De la Paz estimated the damage caused by the fire at around P3 million.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) has provided immediate assistance to the victims, including ready-to-eat food. The city government is also set to extend financial aid to the affected families.
Series of earthquakes in Hernani, Eastern Samar
In another disaster, residents of Hernani, Eastern Samar, have been left traumatized by a series of earthquakes that struck the town, further worsened by the spread of fake news.
This was disclosed by Lani Dingal, the municipal disaster risk reduction and management officer, as Hernani continues to experience tremors since Friday night, February 14.
The initial earthquake, recorded at magnitude 5.6, struck at around 8:50 p.m. The following morning, February 15, another tremor measuring magnitude 5.5 hit the town at approximately 9:18 a.m. On Sunday, February 16, a third quake with a magnitude of 4.7 occurred at about 7:44 p.m.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has also recorded multiple aftershocks following these quakes.
Fortunately, none of these earthquakes caused damage to infrastructure, facilities, or private homes.
“But what concerns us the most now is that people are feeling traumatized due to the series of tremors,” Dingal said in a phone interview on Monday, February 17.
She also expressed frustration over individuals spreading fake news, which has heightened residents’ anxiety.
“There are people spreading false information that a tsunami will hit our town. This only adds to our people’s fear. I hope they stop spreading these baseless rumors,” Dingal added.
According to her, while earthquake drills are regularly conducted down to the barangay level, panic can override preparedness.
“We urge them not to panic,” she said.
It was learned that the Philippine Trench passes through the town of Hernani, which could be the reason for the series of quakes in the area.
JOEY A. GABIETA
