34 HOUSES DAMAGED AFTER GROUND RUPTURES IN LOPEZ, QUEZON

SOME 34 houses sustained damage when the big part of the ground at Purok 2 in Bgy. Matinik, Lopez, Quezon suddenly ruptured on Saturday night.

Residents said they felt the earth suddenly move, prompting them to run out of their houses.

They then saw the concrete walls and foundations of their residences cracked.

Several houses were totally destroyed while some toppled.

More than 51 families or 164 affected individuals are now taking shelter at the barangay hall and village health center.

No one was reported injured.

According to Rodel Libranda, the train tracks that run along the town were misaligned following the movement of the ground. The road rose from being flat.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO)- Quezon and the provincial government are now conducting a thorough study of what had happened.

Affected residents were prevented from returning to their homes due to possibility of another movement of the ground.

PDDRMO- Quezon head Dr. Mel Avenilla  said it is also dangerous to use the highway, which likewise  sustained cracks.

The road from Bgy. Matinik towards Bgy. Tabuan was almost gone due to ground movement.

Juvy Cabildo, a former kagawad, said the incident happened around 9 p.m. on Saturday.

According to her, the ground began  to rumble and they heard a sound similar to fireworks.

Moments later, she said portions of the ground began to lift  while some  sink and the concrete walls and posts of the houses started to crack until they toppled.

Quezon Gov. Angelina “Doktora Helen” Tan immediately instructed engineer Rodel Florido of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)  4th Engineering District to help the affected families and conduct an inspection of the damaged structures, roads and highway.

To prevent residents from returning to their houses, Florido said they put up signages and cordons while investigation into the incident is ongoing.