The Department of Public Works and Highways-Central Luzon (DPWH-3) immediately ordered a damage assessment on infrastructure to determine the possible effects of the magnitude 7 earthquake that jolted Abra and other parts of Luzon on Wednesday morning.

DPWH-3 Regional Director Roseller Tolentino, in a Viber message to the district engineers in the region, cited the need to immediately assess the physical damage that may have been sustained by public structures.

Tolentino also ordered a thorough check on the structural integrity of the bridges along major road networks in the region. He said the assessment and evaluation must be done to determine the extent, if any, of the damage to ensure the safety of the general public.

DPWH-3 Regional Maintenance Engineer Rodolfo David said no untoward incidents were reported so far by the district maintenance engineers.

Meanwhile, Department of Social Welfare and Development-Central Luzon (DSWD-3) Regional Director Marites Maristela, in a memorandum instructed all provincial team leaders, city/municipal team leaders, and center heads in the region to determine the needs of families who were possibly affected by the temblor in coordination with the local government units (LGUs).

Maristela said the move is to ensure immediate response intervention to the possible affected areas, families, and individuals. She said the DSWD-3 is continuously coordinating with its satellite offices in the different provinces to provide immediate assistance to the earthquake victims.

The DSWD had prepositioned some 23,888 family food packs and 4,049 non-food items at its warehouses in various parts of Central Luzon in preparation for any disaster or calamity that may occur. (PNA)