Magnitude 4.8 quake hits Romblon; damage reported

MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Romblon yesterday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Phivolcs said the epicenter of the quake, which occurred at around 8:40 a.m., was located 14 kilometers west of Odiongan town on Tablas Island.

Phivolcs said aftershocks and damage are expected from the quake.

Odiongan Mayor Trina Firmalo-Fabic suspended classes and work in public and private offices following the quake.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office immediately inspected buildings and other structures that might have been damaged by the quake.

Photos posted on Facebook showed cracks on Bariri bridge in Barangay Hinag-oman in Ferrol town.

The Odiongan public information office reported that the Odiongan South Central Elementary School, Romblon State University and several private structures sustained damage.

The quake was felt at Intensity 5, which is classified as strong in Odiongan.

Instrumental intensity 2 was recorded in Malay in Aklan and Pandan in Antique and Intensity 1 in Ibajay and Malinao in Aklan.

Aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 2.6 to 3.9 were recorded until past noon yesterday.