By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Parts of northern Negros were jolted yesterday morning following an earthquake in Masbate island.

Based on information forwarded by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the 6.6 magnitude tremor struck around 8:03 a.m. and was epicentered at 7 kilometers east of Cataingan, Masbate.

Intensity IV, which is equivalent to the vibration of a passing heavy truck, was felt in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

Intensity III tremor, which could be felt by many people indoors especially in upper floors of buildings, was felt in the cities of Bacolod, Bago and San Carlos.

Although the tremor did not trigger any evacuations in Bacolod City, a video shared by a resident of Cadiz City showed people evacuating the public market.
The market later resumed operations after an all clear was given.

As of 4:00 p.m. yesterday, the quake in Masbate had already caused one fatality./DGB, WDJ