LEGAZPI CITY, Albay - More damaged houses, school buildings and local infrastructures were reported after a magnitude-6 earthquake hit the province of Masbate on Thursday, Feb.16.
Based on the latest media report issued by the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Bicol, a total of 61 houses were damaged by the earthquake in different municipalities of Masbate.
Fifty nine of them were partially damaged while two were totally damaged.
The totally damaged houses were reportedly in the town of Batuan where the epicenter of magnitude-6 earthquake was recorded by Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
In Palanas town, 51 houses were reported partially damaged, one house in San Fernando and seven in Batuan town.
Fifteen school buildings were also damaged, including seven in Uson town and eight in Batuan.
In Sorsogon province, the Batang Integrated School in Irosin town incurred minor damages, according to the report of OCD Bicol.
A total of 16 computer sets, 10 pieces of furniture and 130 educational materials were damaged.
Damage was also reported to four buildings in Masbate City which include the Magallanes Coliseum.
The Canares Health Center in Batuan town was also damaged.
Reports also had it that the Canvanes road in Batuan has been reduced to just one lane due to cracks caused by the earthquake.
Meanwhile, Gremil Naz, spokesperson of the OCD Bicol, said that the Department of Health (DOH) Bicol had already extended P100,000.00 worth of assorted medicines, 300 jerry cans, 50 hygiene kits and 50 cot beds to the affected families.