7.8 Earthquake Hits Mindanao, Schools in Philippines' Butuan City Checked and Bridges Closed

JAKARTA - A magnitude 7.8 earthquake that shook Mindanao made the local government in the Philippines move quickly. In Butuan City, learning activities were temporarily stopped. School buildings were inspected. A bridge in Surigao del Sur was also closed for 24 hours.

According to a report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) quoted on Monday, June 8, the Butuan City Government ordered an immediate inspection of school buildings after a strong earthquake shook most of Mindanao on Monday morning.

All levels of education in Butuan are temporarily suspended. This step was taken so that the Infrastructure Audit Team could examine the condition of the school. In a situation like this, the classroom is not just a place to study. The building must also be safe.

The earthquake shook General Santos City at 07.00. The tremors were felt with different intensities in several areas of Mindanao.

"This inspection aims to find out the damage to school facilities that could endanger teachers and students," said the Butuan City Public Information Office.

Residents are asked to remain vigilant, follow information from the authorized government agencies, and comply with safety protocols in the event of aftershocks.

PNA reported that a similar move was also taken by a number of regional governments in Agusan del Sur. LGU (Local Government Unit) or local regional governments in Bayugan City, Veruela, Talacogon, Esperanza, San Francisco, La Paz, Prosperidad, Rosario, and Loreto also temporarily stopped learning activities to inspect school facilities.

In Surigao del Sur, the LGU Tago temporarily closed the Gamut Bridge for 24 hours. The closure was carried out so that officers from the Philippine Department of Public Works and Highways could inspect the condition of the bridge.

The local government in Surigao del Sur also deployed the MDRRMO (Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office) or the city/district level Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. This unit monitors the sea level and checks the condition of coastal settlements.

Inspections of schools, bridges, and coastal areas are carried out to ensure that public facilities remain safe after the earthquake and anticipate the risk of aftershocks.