Facing Aftershocks and Limited Power, Families Choose the Road Over Home
Two days after a powerful earthquake struck Manay, Davao Oriental, families in Mati City found themselves camping along the Diversion Road, placing safety concerns above comfort as aftershocks and the fear of tsunamis linger. The mood was a mix of resilience and worry as residents wrestled with the decision of whether to sleep indoors or outdoors near the road that has become a temporary refuge for at least 30 families.
Where the Camp Is and Who Is There
On Sunday, a news team from MindaNews observed families huddled by the roadside near Golden Valley, a spot that had turned into a makeshift shelter in the wake of Friday night’s tremors. Among those camped along the Diversion Road were residents from as far as Purok Malinawon II in Calagundian, Barangay Central. The makeshift camp housed siblings, parents, and children aged 7 to 17, as well as young adults in their early twenties.
Why Outdoors Feels Safer
For many, the decision to stay outside stems from fear of further quakes near damaged structures and the shoreline. Arnold Avenido, 43, explained that his home sits next to a house that suffered heavy damage in the quakes, with the ocean’s proximity amplifying concerns about tsunamis. “We felt much safer outdoors,” his wife Mera added, noting she feared another surge of danger that could strike while they slept inside.
While the outdoors offer perceived safety, the roadside is not without its own challenges. The Avenido family has struggled with the lack of proper sleeping arrangements; tarps and improvised bedding create a makeshift shelter, and rain can turn into a problem when stored foam or mats get soaked. Neighbors have donated tarps to help fit a family of many, and the family has been digging shallow canals to drain rainwater more effectively.
Daily Life in Open Space
Despite the hardship, the camp continues because of the uncertainty about when families can safely return home. Some members still travel back and forth to gather belongings, cook meals, or check on their houses, while others stay put. With no electricity and limited means of communication, updates about government aid and relocation options are scarce, and the camp’s residents rely heavily on the kindness of strangers and local social workers directing aid to evacuation centers.
Hope for Clear Guidance from Authorities
Residents await a final decision from local authorities on whether it will be safe to return to homes along the coast or if continued evacuation is required. The Golden Valley area offers a sense of security for many families, but the lack of continuous power and the fear of aftershocks complicate the choice to stay or go back. For now, the roadside camp remains the town’s temporary center of gravity as people try to preserve dignity and safety in the wake of disaster.
Economic Realities and Everyday Resilience
Arnold works as a tricycle driver and is occasionally hired by City Hall. Mera earns income by cooking for others, highlighting how families consolidate daily life even amidst crisis. “Buwan-buwan lang sir kung naa eh… mag-drive siya, magluto ko,” she says, underscoring a routine that blends work with urgent caregiving. The crisis tests not only housing stability but the economic endurance of families who must improvise shelter and meals while waiting for a more permanent resolution.
What Comes Next
As Mati City continues to assess safety, the fate of these roadside families will depend on a clear evacuation assessment, reliable power restoration, and timely aid distribution. Community volunteers and local officials must coordinate to ensure that those who remain outdoors receive the support they need while authorities determine if it is safe to return to homes along the waterfront.
For now, the Avenidos and their neighbors will endure the heat, the dust, and the uncertainty—holding onto the hope that home will be safe enough to return to soon.
