By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
Parts of the Western Visayas, including Negros Occidental, were rocked by three earthquakes yesterday morning, resulting in the evacuation of buildings and suspension of classes in some parts of the region.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the initial tremor, a magnitude 4.7, was reported around 7:49 a.m.
The initial quake was epicentered eight kilometers east of San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, with an Intensity III felt in Iloilo City. Such an intensity considered “weak,” where it is felt by those indoors, especially on the upper floors of buildings
A minute later, a second tremor struck two kilometers north of Sibunag, Guimaras with a magnitude of 4.0 and considered an Intensity IV in Iloilo City, which is described as “moderately strong” with vibrations similar to the passing of a heavy truck.
The third earthquake measured a magnitude of 4.8 and struck 12 kilometers northwest of Guimbal, Iloilo at 10:54 a.m. An Intensity IV was again felt in Iloilo City, along with San Jose de Buenavista. An Intensity III was experienced in Roxas City, Capiz and Belison, Antique; while an Intensity II was reported in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental and Cebu City.
The quakes forced people to evacuate buildings.
In Bacolod City, construction workers at the Ayala Capitol Mall were ordered to evacuate, along with employees at the Commission on Elections office along San Juan Street. Work in city later resumed after an all clear was given.
In Iloilo City, patients at the QualiMed Hospital in the Mandurriao district and students at the Iloilo Science and Technology University in Barotac Nuevo were also forced out of buildings due to the strong tremor.
The mass evacuation of buildings in Iloilo City also created traffic jams in some parts of the city.
Following the incident, provincial and city governments in Iloilo suspended work and classes at all levels yesterday afternoon.
In a radio interview, Provincial Administrator Raul Banias said engineers will conduct a structural examination of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.
He also confirmed, several towns reported damage caused by the quake, although no casualties were reported.
Phivolcs, meanwhile, stated they are not expecting any aftershocks from the three earthquakes. However, as of press time, they have recorded six more minor tremors with magnitudes ranging from 1.8 to 2.5, all epicentered in Leon, Iloilo./DGB, WDJ
