In the aftermath of the January 23, 2025 earthquake that struck San Francisco town in Southern Leyte with a magnitude of 5.8, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has announced plans to provide shelter assistance to the affected families. The initiative comes as a response to the significant damage reported in the area, with the local government unit (LGU) now responsible for categorizing the extent of damage to homes to prioritize aid distribution.
Lord Byron Torrecarion, the OCD Eastern Visayas Regional Director, emphasized the need for a detailed assessment of the damaged houses to determine which ones require repair materials. In collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways Southern Leyte Second District Engineering Office, local government units are set to evaluate the affected residences.
According to data gathered by the OCD, the earthquake resulted in the total destruction of seven houses and partial damage to 253 others, with over 190 of these in San Francisco town alone. To aid in the recovery, the OCD plans to distribute 10 fiberboard and roofing materials to each affected household.
In addition to housing concerns, the earthquake has impacted the local water supply. Mayor Benedicta Tiaozon of San Francisco reported damage to the town’s water system, prompting the OCD to request a repair proposal from the LGU. As an immediate measure, the OCD will supply bottled drinking water to the municipality.
Beyond physical needs, the earthquake has left a psychological toll on the community, particularly among students. Teachers have called for psychosocial support to help those traumatized by the event.