By John Clifford Lintao
A STRONG earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 hit Cataingan, Masbate on Tuesday morning, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
The earthquake, which was initially recorded as magnitude 6.5 at around 8:03 AM, had an epicenter located at 11.98°N, 123.98°E – 005 km S 17° W of Cataingan. The depth of focus of the earthquake is one kilometer.
Initial reports said that that the quake, which was tectonic in origin, was way stronger than those recorded in other places as manifested in the damages in building structures in the island province.
• Intensity IV was felt in Mapanas in Northern Samar; Legazpi City in Albay; and Lezo in Aklan.
• Intensity III was felt meanwhile in Iloilo City, and Intensity I in President Roxas in Capiz.
PHIVOLCS said there was no risk of a tsunami from the earthquake but warned of the risk of aftershocks.
“The possibility of a stronger magnitude aftershock cannot be discounted,” PHIVOLCS chief Renato Solidum said in a radio interview.
According to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council spokesman Mark Timbal, an initial information from the Office of Civil Defense V indicated that residences made of light materials in Palanas, Masbate have sustained some damages.
Buildings in Cataingan reportedly sustained cracks, according to the Masbate Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Among the buildings damaged is a coliseum housing locally stranded individuals, Junie Castillo of the LDRRMO said in a radio interview, citing initial reports. The coliseum reportedly had cracks.
The Philippines, which has a population of 107 million, lies on the “Ring of Fire,” a belt of volcanoes circling the Pacific Ocean that is also prone to earthquakes.