Following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that recently struck Surigao del Sur, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, or DHSUD, 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 National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, or NDRRMC, Memorandum 156, DHSUD Undersecretary for Disaster Response Randy Escolango issued a memorandum for the clusters' activation.

Escolango said 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.

"Secretary Acuzar immediately directed ROs (regional offices) to coordinate with local chief executives in the affected areas for possible assistance," 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.

Strong temblor

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, or 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, or government buildings, 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 NDRRMC Memorandum 01, s. 2022, as amended by Memorandum No. 05, s. 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.