Quake rocks Visayas

CEBU, Philippines —  An earthquake struck Leyte early morning yesterday, the effects of which was felt in neighboring islands, including Cebu, Bohol, and even Negros.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) first reported that the earthquake was at magnitude 5.7 but clarified later that it was at magnitude 5.5.

The quake, which was tectonic in origin, was felt at around 5:19 a.m. in Capoocan, Leyte.

While the quake damaged some structures in Leyte, including school buildings, no damage was reported in the neighboring islands.

In Cebu, residents felt Intensity 4, something that seismic observer Robinson Jorgio said would not cause damage.

Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake while intensity measures the strength of shaking produced by the earthquake at a certain location.

"Kanang intensity four, wala nay damage nga mahitabo (Intensify four won’t cause damage)," Jorgio said.

Still, Talisay Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas cancelled the classes in elementary and high schools in the city to ensure the safety of students.

“Since we have high-rise classrooms which have 2 to 3 floors in schools, we will use this suspension of classes to check the integrity of our school buildings,” he said yesterday.

The other areas that felt the quake at intensity 4 were Palo, Dulag, Babatngon, Alang-alang and Palompon, Leyte; Mandaue City and Cebu City; Naval, Biliran.

According to Phivolcs’ Intensity Scale, an intensity four is considered as moderately strong which means it is felt generally by people indoors and by some people outdoors.

“Light sleepers are awakened. Vibration is felt like a passing of heavy truck. Hanging objects swing considerably. Dinner, plates, glasses, windows and doors rattle. Floors and walls of wood framed buildings creak. Standing motor cars may rock slightly. Liquids in containers are slightly disturbed. Water in containers oscillate strongly. Rumbling sound may sometimes be heard," it said.

The areas that felt the quake at intensity 5 were Leyte, Kananga, Capoocan, and Pastrana, Leyte; Tacloban City and Ormoc City.

Lapu-Lapu City and Lawaan, Eastern Samar felt the quake at intensity 3.  JMO  (FREEMAN)