Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar on Tuesday announced that the agency has activated shelter clusters in Caraga and Davao regions for possible assistance to victims of magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Surigao del Sur on Saturday.

Upon the order of Acuzar and in compliance with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Memorandum 156, s. 2023, DHSUD Undersecretary for Disaster Response Randy Escolango issued a memorandum for the activation.

Under the memorandum, DHSUD regional directors from Regions 11 and 13 should coordinate with the respective Shelter Cluster members within the regions and convene using all available means.

"Rest assured that DHSUD, in compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is always ready to extend shelter assistance to victims of disasters," Escolango said.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the epicenter of the latest tremor was recorded in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur and the highest intensity reported was Intensity VII in Tandag City.

The local government unit of Hinatuan initially reported damages estimated at P10.460 million for infrastructure or government buildings, P88 million for housing, with no casualty reported in the municipality.