Magnitude 6.9 hits Negros Occidental

Monday, February 6, 2012

CEBU CITY (3rd update, 1:05 p.m.) -- Employees and residents evacuated buildings and homes when a 6.8 temblor hit Cebu and Negros islands late Monday morning.

The Associated Press reported that the earthquake killed a child and triggered a local tsunami alert.

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The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued the tsunami alert for the central Philippines, saying the quake could trigger a 3-foot (1-meter) wave. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did not issue a warning.

People gather around Fuente Osmeña Circle in Cebu City for safety after the magnitude-6.8 quake. (Nini Cabaero)

The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the quake that hit central Philippines at 11:49 a.m.

The earthquake’s epicenters were reported 72 kilometers north of Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, 74 kilometers west north west of Tagbilaran Bohol and 80 kilometers west south west of Cebu.

Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo said four aftershocks were recorded by the Phivolcs.

People rushed out of schools, malls and offices during the quake. Officials in some areas suspended work.

A child died when a concrete fence of a house collapsed in Tayasan town in Negros Oriental province, said Benito Ramos, who heads the Office of Civil Defense.

A mall in San Carlos city in neighboring Negros Occidental province, also on Negros Island, was damaged when its windows were shattered by the shaking, he said.

The quake was also felt in central Cebu city, the country's second largest, where it lasted about 30 seconds.

In Bacolod, three schools have so far suspended their classes. These are Tay Tung High School, St. John’s Institute and University of St. La Salle-Bacolod.

The local disaster council reported the quake at 6.9 magnitude. Bob Mahadali, a Bacolod resident said he felt the shaking for around 30 seconds.

In Cebu City, court employees rushed out from the Palace of Justice suspending court proceedings. Employees in Cebu City’s IT Park were also out of their offices. (AP/Sunnex)