Intensity 6 quake, aftershock hit Masbate

MANILA, Philippines (Mar 06 2012) - Two strong quakes struck parts of Bicol region this morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

Phivolcs said the first quake, which was tectonic in origin, struck 7:06 a.m., three kilometers north of Masbate City in Masbate province.

It measured magnitude 5.2 in the Richter scale.

The quake was felt at Intensity 6 in Masbate City, Intensity 4 in Irosin and Cabid-an towns in Sorsogon City and Intensity 2 in Legaspi City.

Seven minutes after, another quake struck Masbate City in almost the same spot. The quake measured magnitude 3.7. It was felt at Intensity 5 in Masbate City and Intensity 2 in Roxas City.

Intensity is described in the Phivolcs' Intensity Scale as "very strong."

It said that in an Intensity 6 eartquake, "many people are frightened, many run outdoors. Some people lose their balance. Motorists feel like driving with flat tires."

Masbate City Mayor Socrates Tuason said in a television news interview that several buildings in the city showed cracks after the eartquake.

Tuason said he has yet to receive reports of casualties from the earthquake.

Following the eartquakes, morning classes in Masbate City were suspended.

Masbate Vice Governor Vince Revil announced over national television that all morning classes in the city were immediately suspended after the 5.2-magnitude quake struck at past 7 a.m.

Revil said it was still uncertain if classes will resume at noon. He said local authorities are assessing the situation in areas hit by the quakes. (For Philstar.com)