Masbate magnitude 6.6 earthquake damages buildings

The magnitude 6.6 earthquake that hit Masbate on Tuesday morning has caused cracks in some buildings, according to the province's Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Initial reports received by Masbate LDRRMO said some walls fell, and a coliseum in Cataingan had cracks.

"May mga LSIs na naka-quarantine doon ngayon sa coliseum," Junie Castillo of the Masbate LDRRMO said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

Castillo said they are verifying reports of damage.

He added that cellphone and internet signals have been intermittent, but they are awaiting field reports.

The LDRRMO is currently coordinating with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Meanwhile, YouScoopers reported cabinets toppling over in their houses in Cataingan.

The earthquake struck at 8:03 a.m. in Cataingan, Masbate.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said aftershocks and damage are to be expected. —KG, GMA News