Sixteen barangays in the municipality of Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental remain isolated and difficult to reach following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck on June 8, according to local officials.
The information was disclosed by Mayor Jayson John Joyce during an interview with Brigada News FM Davao.
Joyce said roads in several areas were damaged by the earthquake, preventing the immediate delivery of relief assistance to affected communities. Local authorities are currently searching for boats that can be used to transport aid to coastal barangays that remain inaccessible by land.
For villages located in elevated and mountainous areas, the local government is also seeking helicopters that could be used to airlift relief supplies.
Despite the access challenges, Joyce said the municipal government has already established communication with barangay coordinators and local officials in affected communities.
According to the mayor, initial assistance, including rice and other food supplies, is being organized while efforts continue to reach isolated areas.
The earthquake caused significant damage across the municipality, with 20 of its 26 barangays considered badly affected by the disaster.
Local authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage and determine the immediate needs of residents impacted by the earthquake.
Relief operations remain a priority as government officials work to restore access routes and deliver essential supplies to communities that have been cut off since the powerful tremor struck.
The municipal government is coordinating with concerned agencies and responders to ensure assistance reaches affected residents as quickly as possible.
Efforts to secure transportation for relief operations are ongoing as authorities address logistical challenges caused by damaged infrastructure throughout the municipality.
Officials have not yet provided a timeline for when all isolated barangays will become fully accessible.
