BACOLOD CITY – Authorities are assessing the possible damage caused by a 5.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Sipalay City, Negros Occidental on Saturday morning, May 17.
Executive Assistant Dionilo Bogtae, head of the Public Safety and Sipalay Emergency Assistance and Rescue Services (SEARS), said that people in the city, especially in the city proper, did not panic, as frequent earthquake drills have been conducted to educate them on the measures that need to be undertaken during disaster.
THE Bureau of Fire Protection inspects buildings that may have been affected by the 5.2-earthquake that hit Sipalay City, Negros Occidental on Saturday morning, May 17. (Photo via BFP-Sipalay City/FB)
Bogtae said that rescuers and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel were immediately dispatched to inspect government buildings and other structures.
“So far, there have been no reports of major damages, but we are waiting for the report from our team outside,” he added.
Bogtae said that they have also checked infrastructure and bridges and noted no damages.
A series of aftershocks have been reported in the city, following the tremor at 8:33 a.m.
The tremor was also felt in various areas in the province, including Cauayan, Candoni, La Castellana, Silay City, Bago City, Pontevedra, Kabankalan City, Pulupandan, Himamaylan City, Valladolid, Cadiz City, La Carlota City, and Bacolod City.
It was also felt in Bayawan City, Bais City, and Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental.
People who have experienced the tremor and aftershocks were advised to stay vigilant.