LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – Several buildings and houses were damaged in the magnitude-six earthquake that jolted the province of Masbate early Thursday morning, Feb. 16.
Gremil Naz, Office of the Civil Defense (OCD)-Bicol spokesperson, said minor damage was reported at the Masbate Provincial Hospital in the capital Masbate City.
Damage was also reported in the ceiling of the Magallanes Coliseum in Masbate City.
"As of 11 a.m. today (Thursday, Feb. 16), assessment is still ongoing. Cracks were reported in several buildings in Masbate City and number of damaged buildings are under consolidation," Naz said.
Naz added that five tents have been set up for at least 200 confined patients, watchers, and medical staff outside the Masbate Provincial Hospital.
Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office (PRO)-5 spokesperson, said that based on the situational report from the Masbate police, three houses were partially damaged in Batuan town, Ticao Island, Masbate.
OCD Bicol and PRO-5 said no casualties or injured were reported as of posting time.
Naz said power interruption was reported in several barangays in Masbate.
Water service and communication lines were uninterrupted and classes from pre-school to Grade 12 in the province were suspended.
In Masbate City, classes from pre-school to tertiary and work in government offices were also suspended.