Damage in coliseum, hospital evacuation reported after Masbate quake

Initial report posted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Masbate shows photos of damage and evacuation of a hospital after the magnitude-6.0 earthquake hit the province early Thursday morning.

In a social media post, the PIA reported that Jessar Adornado, Office of Civil Defense in Region V (OCD-5) assistant regional director, said that Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices are on the ground already for assistance and assessment.

The posts included photos credited to Roy Villanueva of PDRRMO Masbate show some damage incurred inside the Magallanes Coliseum.

Roy Villanueva, OIC ng Operations and Warning Section of the Masbate PDRRMO, in an interview on Super Radyo DZBB said there are no reports at present on casualties from local government units.

"Sa Provincial Hospital po, nag-evacuate po 'yung mga patient po na naka-admit doon. Ngayon, nag-set-up na po ang PDRRMO ng mga tent para roon muna sila temporarily po since may minor cracks doon sa building na 'yun," he added.

There is an interruption of power supply in the province, said Villanueva, adding that roads remain passable.

"Ang reported lang po 'yung cracks sa  buildings sa ibang munisipyo po," he said.

The Department of Education in the region has declared the suspension of classes.

"'Yung iba po (residente), ayaw muna pumasok sa mga bahay nila kasi natatakot po. In-advise na lang namin sila na take precautionary measures po, and alerto na lang. At huwag kalimutan ang duck, cover and hold na lagi nating pina-practice," said Villanueva, who reported that 8 aftershocks were felt in the province.

In another post, the PIA said the Provincial DRRMO assisted in the evacuation of patients from the Masbate Provincial Hospital.

"PDRRMO Masbate is setting up tents for the patients." -- BAP, GMA Integrated News