(Photo courtesy of Masbate PDRRMO)
MANILA – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said it has yet to receive reports concerning major damage following the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that rocked Batuan, Masbate early Thursday.
"No major damage reported as of reporting time," OCD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said in a bulletin forwarded to reporters.
He added that OCD Region 5 and local disaster risk reduction management offices are currently conducting assessment, coordination and monitoring for further development.
Alejandro also said the supply of electricity for the entire province of Masbate and Ticao Island was affected by the quake.
The earthquake prompted the suspension of work and classes in Masbate, he added.
He also reported that the tremor also prompted the transfer of patients of the Masbate Provincial Hospital to tents outside as standard operating procedure.
He added that no patients were hurt or injured in the incident. "As a country prone to frequent earthquakes, we would like to remind the public of the importance of "Duck, Cover and Hold" protocol during earthquakes in order to minimize the effects and numbers of casualties," Alejandro said.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the tremor occurred at 2:10 a.m.
The following intensities were recorded:
-- Intensity VII - City of Masbate, Masbate
-- Intensity V - Dimasalang, San Fernando, and Uson, Masbate
-- Intensity IV - City of Legazpi, Albay; Aroroy, Cataingan, Esperanza, Milagros, and Pio V. Corpuz, Masbate; Irosin, and City of Sorsogon, Sorsogon
-- Intensity III - Daraga, Albay
Phivolcs also recorded the following instrumental intensities:
-- Intensity VI - City of Masbate, Masbate
-- Intensity IV - Bulusan, and City of Sorsogon, Sorsogon; City of Bogo, Cebu
-- Intensity III - City of Legazpi, and City of Tabaco, Albay; City of Iriga, Camarines Sur; City of Bago, Negros Occidental; Alangalang, Calubian, Isabel, Kananga, and Palo, Leyte; Ormoc City; Rosario, Northern Samar
-- Intensity II - Gumaca, Quezon; Daet, Camarines Norte; Ragay, Camarines Sur; Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon; Malinao, Aklan; Jamindan, and Tapaz, Capiz; Argao, Cebu; Can-Avid, Eastern Samar; Abuyog, and Dulag, Leyte; San Roque, Northern Samar
-- Intensity I - Lopez, Mulanay, and Polillo, Quezon; Boac, Marinduque; Pandan, Antique; City of a Carlota, Negros Occidental; Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte
Phivolcs said damage and aftershocks are expected from the earthquake.
The earthquake was tectonic in origin and had a depth of 10 kilometers. (PNA)
