MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Oct. 15, 2013) – At least 20 people were killed in a powerful earthquake that hit central Philippines on Tuesday, officials said.
Dr. Renato Solidum Jr., of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, said the magnitude 7.2 quake was tectonic in origin and traced 33 kilometer deep east of Carmen town in Bohol province.
The earthquake also hit Tagbilaran City in Bohol; Iloilo City, Hinigaran and La Carlota towns in Negros Occidental; Masbate City, Roxas City, San Jose, Culasi, Antique and Guihulngan towns in Negros Occidental, and even in Davao and Pagadian cities.
The quake damaged many buildings and old churches and destroyed roads in many areas. Solidum said they recorded many aftershocks, one had magnitude 4.5 and the rest were smaller shaking.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said 15 people were killed in Cebu province, 4 in Bohol and another in Siquijor province in central Visayas. It said there could be more casualties. (Mindanao Examiner)
20