Over a hundred aftershocks rock Cataingan, Masbate
MANILA – With local government officials attending to the needs of their constituents after the strong earthquake Tuesday morning, over a hundred locally-stranded individuals have been transferred to other areas as due to building defects seen at the Cataingan Astrodome and its municipal college.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded at least 135 aftershocks as of 6:32 PM Wednesday with the strongest recovered at 5.1-magnitude at 5:50 A.M. today.
There were five earthquakes recorded at least 14 hours before the 6.6 Magnitude tremor that resulted in damages to private and public buildings.
Science and Technology Undersecretary and PHIVOLCS Officer-In-Charge Dr. Renato Solidum said these events are called foreshocks.
A 4.6-magnitude earthquake was reported at 1:21 P.M., Monday.
The Philippine National Police Regional Office No. 5 reported a casualty and 48 other injured residents from the towns of Cataingan, Palanas and Pio V. Corpuz.
Damages incurred by local and national government offices and private structures amount to P20.750 million.
In a television interview with Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque said the national government will send assistance to earthquake-stricken province soon.
Speaking over CNN Philippines, Secretary Roque said food packs, water and blankets will be delivered to the area as additional personnel will be deployed to ensure that social distancing rules are complied with in evacuation centers.
“Whatever help that Masbate needs is forthcoming. We have a direct line already with the governor, as well as with the mayor of Cataingan. The coordination effort to deliver what is needed by the residents in Cataingan is in full blast.
It will be recalled Cataingan Mayor Felipe Cabataña appealed to the national government to appropriate funds to attend to his constituents as his calamity fund has been exhausted with COVID-19-related activities.
The Office of Civil Defense reported 66 families or 334 individuals were affected by the earthquake. The same office reported 61 homes and 19 schools in the province sustained damage.
Secretary Roque said President Duterte may visit Masbate but assessments are still being made by the Presidential Security Group. (Melo M. Acuña)
The 6.6-magnitude quake severely damaged a number of homes and offices in Masbate Province yesterday. (NDRRMC Photos)
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