Southern Leyte sustains damage from 5.9-quake

TACLOBAN CITY – Southern Leyte sustained damage from a magnitude-5.9 earthquake on Thursday morning, Jan. 23.

THE epicenter of the magnitude-5.9 earthquake in Southern Leyte.

Authorities reported a landslide, damaged roads, and cancelled classes. 

A landslide was recorded in the former Barangay Guinsaugon in the municipality of Saint Bernard, where, on Feb. 17, 2006, a landslide occurred and killed over 1,000 people.

Roads in Barangays Amaga and Himay-angan and parts of the municipality of Liloan are impassable due to fallen debris and severe cracks.

Authorities advised the people to avoid these areas for their safety. 

Clearing operations and assessments are underway.

Classes were cancelled in the town of San Francisco, the epicenter of the earthquake.

Mayor Nacional Mercado issued an executive order canceling classes on all levels for possible aftershocks in Maasin City.