Quezon village declares calamity after ground rupture destroys 15 houses

Fifteen houses were destroyed in Barangay Matinik, Lopez, Quezon after the ground ruptured on Saturday evening, December 14.

The incident, which occurred around 9:00 p.m. without prior earthquake or typhoon, caused sections of the ground to lift or sink, destroying 15 of the 24 houses in the area and damaging pathways, a railway, and a school.

As a result, classes and a Christmas party were suspended, power and water supply were affected, and approximately 51 families or 124 individuals were displaced, with some seeking shelter at the barangay hall.

The Sangguniang Barangay of Matinik has declared a state of calamity.

A landslide also blocked the road near Matinik Elementary School, affecting access to Barangay Hondagua and nearby residential areas.

The local government has provided initial support and inspected the affected area, while the Department of Public Works and Highways conducted an integrity assessment of the provincial road.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is coordinating with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau for a study and assessment.