4.5 earthquake shakes Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - An earthquake rocked Cebu yesterday morning, with authorities pointing at the sea between Cebu and Leyte provinces as its epicenter.

Data released by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the tremor as measuring magnitude 4.5 at 9:19 a.m. and traced its epicenter at 15 kilometers south-southeast of Pilar, Camotes islands, Cebu, 18 kilometers west of Baybay, Leyte; 36 kilometers south of Ormoc City; and 42 kilometers west of Abuyog, Leyte.

The Philippine Institute of Vulcanology and Seismology, however, recorded a lower magnitude of 4.2, which it traced 48 kilometers north-east of Mandaue City. Intensity 4 was felt in Cebu City and in Mandaue City, intensity 3 in Talisay City, intensity 2 in Lapulapu City, intensity 1 in Bogo City in Cebu; and Ormoc City in Leyte.

Department of Health officials, in a national gathering at the Ecotech Center in Lahug, Cebu City, felt the tremor but decided to proceed with their activity.

Phivolcs said another tremor followed two hours later, this time registering at magnitude 2.8. The epicenter of the second earthquake was located eight kilometers northeast of San Francisco, Camotes island, Cebu. There was no reported damage in the areas affected by both earth movement and no tsunami warning was issued as the two incidents were considered minor.

Phivolcs Central Visayas chief Robinson Giorgio said these minor earthquakes near Cebu are not related to the powerful temblor that jolted Bohol October 15 last year.

“This one is caused by a different generator—in between Leyte and Cebu—which is an existing fault,” Giorgio told The FREEMAN.

Following the magnitude 4.5 earthquake, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday reminded the Department of Education Cebu City Division to strictly follow safety measures.  He specifically suggested that DepED should let the students go home in case of earthquake to help them calm down.

“Ang concern sa linog…you better (let the students) go home aron nga mawagtang ang hadlok,” he told a press conference.  (FREEMAN)