Masbate hit by 163 aftershocks after magnitude 6.0 earthquake

The magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck Masbate province early Thursday morning was followed by at least 163 aftershocks as of 4 p.m, according to a report by Jessie Cruzat of GMA Regional TV Balitang Bicolandia on “24 Oras.”

“Expected na na may aftershocks na mangyayari bukod dito sa major quake,” Adonis Dilao of Masbate Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said.

Residents are advised to stay alert in case of more aftershocks.

Following the earthquake, patients of the Masbate Provincial Hospital were evacuated in a tent, but were brought back in the hospital after inspection of the facility.

Bong Margallo, a resident, said he evacuated his family to safety when their house began to shake.

“Natutulog kami, naramdaman ko na yumayanig kaya dali dali kaming lumabas,” he said.

Power supply has returned to several towns after it was temporarily cut following the tremor.

The Office of Civil Defense continues its assessment of the quake’s damage in the province.

No deaths or injuries are recorded so far in the province.—LDF, GMA Integrated News