The earthquake occurred Friday (February 10) evening and the local government unit of Surigao City, the first responder during disasters, declared a state of calamity on Saturday, February 11.
The DSWD Regional Director team arrived on Saturday to assess the damage and check the affected families.
The relief goods were delivered Sunday from Butuan. Distribution was initially hampered by an inadequate distribution system. The victims were already expecting the relief goods as early as 5 a.m., but the local government made a judgment call to wait for the President who arrived by 1 p.m.
Food packs were finally distributed around 2 p.m. after PRRD made the initial distribution. Three thousand (3,000) family food packs were then successfully shared after DSWD Caraga officials, local government, barangay officials and Surigao City Mayor worked out a more efficient distribution system.