Following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Surigao del Sur on Saturday, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Monday activated its shelter clusters in Caraga and Davao regions for possible assistance to victims.

Upon the order of DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar and in compliance with the NDRRMC Memorandum No. 156, series of 2023, DHSUD Undersecretary for Disaster Response Randy Escolango issued a memorandum for the said activation.

Undersecretary Escolango said Secretary Acuzar ordered DHSUD regional directors from Regions 11 and 13 to coordinate with the respective Shelter Cluster members within the regions and convene using all available means.

"Mabilis po ipinag-utos ni Secretary Acuzar sa mga ROs (regional offices) concerned na makipag-coordinate sa mga local chief executives in the affected areas for possible assistance," Undersecretary Escolango said.

"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," he added.

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

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

The NDRMMC reported Regions 11 and 13 as the most affected areas in Mindanao.

Under National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Memorandum No. 01, series of 2022, as amended by Memorandum No. 05, series of 2022, the DHSUD is tasked to lead the Shelter Cluster to assess emergency shelter needs and provide shelter assistance and other relevant support services for disaster-affected areas.

Under DHSUD's Rental Subsidy and Financial Assistance Program, families whose houses were totally damaged could receive up to P10,000 in cash assistance.