A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Bogo City in Cebu on Tuesday evening.
The earthquake occurred at 9:59 p.m., according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
The epicenter of the earthquake was located at 11.09°N, 124.13°E – 017 km N 73° E of City Of Bogo (Cebu).
The quake was initially reported as a magnitude 6.7 before being upgraded to 6.9. It had a depth of 5 km and was tectonic in origin.
Intensity V was experienced in Argao, Cebu; City of Sipalay, Negros Occidental, City of Lapu-Lapu, Tacloban City.
PHIVOLCS said Intensity IV was recorded in San Fernando, Cebu; Bulan, Bulusan, and Casiguran, Sorsogon; City of Roxas in Capiz; City of Himamaylan, Negros Occidental; Ubay, Bohol; Lawaan, Eeastern Samar; Laoang, Northern Samar; City of Catbalogan, Samar; City of Dipolog in Zamobanga del Norte.
Intensity III was felt in San Fernando, Cebu and Intensity II in Laoang in Northern Samar; Legazpi City in Albay; Iriga City in Camarines Sur; Donsol, Sorsogon; and Tibiao, Antique, PHIVOLCS said.
PHIVOLCS said aftershocks are expected.
A magnitude 5.0 earthquake occurred at 10:24 p.m. at the location 11.04°N, 124.05°E – 007 km S 84° E of City Of Bogo (Cebu). It had a depth of 10km.
As a result of the tremor, patients and staff of the Cebu City Medical Center were evacuated outside the building, according to Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival.
“Following the earthquake earlier tonight ,all classes in Cebu City are hereby suspended tomorrow as a precautionary measure. This will give way to the thorough inspection of all government buildings to ensure the safety of our constituents,” Archival said.
“We also request all private building owners and administrators to conduct immediate safety inspections and take precautionary measures to protect their tenants, employees, and personnel. Let us all remain vigilant and prioritize safety at all times. For any emergency, please call 911 directly,” he added.
Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro the patients were brought outside as a precaution in the event of aftershocks. She said tents will be deployed.
The governor asked the public not to panic.
Netizens also shared photos of the centuries-old Archdiocesan Shrine in Daanbantayan, Cebu that partially collapsed after the earthquake.
Mactan airport
In an advisory, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport implemented a precuationary evacuation following the earthquake.
“Following the earthquake that occurred in Cebu, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport team is evacuating passengers and implementing safety checks and precautionary measures to ensure the well-being of all passengers, visitors, and staff,” MCIA said.
Class suspensions
Meanwhile, Mayor Cindi King Chan of Lapu-lapu City announced that classes at all levels are suspended on Wednesday as authorities will conudct a safety inspection of school buildings in the city —RF, GMA Integrated News
