The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered all local government units (LGUs) in earthquake-affected areas across Cebu and Mindanao to immediately conduct structural inspections and safety evaluations following the recent series of strong earthquakes and ongoing aftershocks in Regions VII, XI, and Caraga.

In an advisory issued over the weekend, the DILG directed LGUs to carry out rapid structural assessments led by Building Officials, City and Municipal Engineers, and other qualified technical personnel.

The department emphasized that inspections must prioritize heavily affected barangays and structures showing visible cracks, partial collapses, or damage to foundations.

The agency further instructed local officials to inspect tilted or displaced buildings, especially those affected by ground fissures, sediment venting, or land subsidence, before allowing occupants to return.

Residential homes are also subjected to undergo evaluation to determine their safety and prevent possible casualties.

The DILG urged LGUs, through their Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (RDRRM) Councils are ecpected to coordinate closely with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Local DRRM Offices, and Barangay Officials in conducting joint inspections and sharing findings.

For structures declared unsafe, the department ordered the immediate evacuation and relocation of affected families to temporary shelters, in coordination with Local DRRM Councils and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices (MSWDOs).

In addition, LGUs were reminded to expedite the processing of repair and reconstruction permits to ensure the timely restoration of damaged infrastructure, while maintaining compliance with national safety and engineering standards.

The DILG reaffirmed its support for the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for all national agencies to extend urgent assistance to quake-hit areas and fast-track recovery and rehabilitation measures.