By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Sipalay City was rocked by a 4.1-magnitude earthquake Saturday morning, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) pinpointing the epicenter location three kilometers northwest of the city.

Based on data from the agency, Intensity IV, described as “moderately strong” with vibrations similar to the passing of a heavy truck, was experienced in the city. Meanwhile, an Intensity III, considered “weak” and felt by those indoors, especially on the upper floors of buildings, was felt in nearby Cauayan and Basay.

Phivolcs said they expect no damage or aftershocks.

Last April, Phivolcs director and Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary Renato Solidum recommended Negros Occidental local government units prepare for the possibility of a Mt. Kanlaon eruption, along with earthquakes from the newly-discovered fault lines on the island.

He noted, with the recent discovery of new fault lines in Negros, the Phivolcs head said it is high-time for earthquake-resistant structures./DGB, WDJ