Number of injured in Masbate earthquake now at 48 —OCD V

The number of injuries following the magnitude 6.6 earthquake that jolted Cataingan, Masbate on Tuesday has reached 48, the Office of Civil Defense V said on Wednesday. 

In its latest situation report, the OCD V said the wounded individuals came from the towns of Cataingan (18), Palanas (27), Pio V Corpuz (2), and Uson (1). 

However, Cataingan Mayor Felipe Cabataña on Wednesday said two people died and at least 50 were injured due to the quake.

The OCD V also reported that a total of 66 families or 334 individuals in Cataingan town were affected by the strong quake. 

It also said 61 residences were damaged in the entire province, in which 26 were totally damaged while 35 others were partially damaged. 

A total of 19 schools meanwhile were damaged in the entire Masbate, the OCD V said. 

Citing the latest report of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Region V, the total estimated cost of damage to roads and government public buildings in Masbate already reached P23,960,000. 

The Masbate Police on Tuesday reported that a retired cop passed away due to the quake.

Cabataña appealed to the national government for funds to help the affected residents as most of their budget had been allocated for the COVID-19 response. 

In a separate report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, a total of six road sections and seven bridges in the provinces of Masbate and Camarines Sur have been damaged due to the quake.

The NDRRMC, however, reported that these are all passable.

PHIVOLCS earlier said the strong quake hit Cataingan town at 8:03 a.m. on Tuesday. 
Intensity IV was felt in Mapanas in Northern Samar; Legazpi City in Albay; and Lezo in Aklan while Intensity III was felt in Iloilo City, and Intensity I in President Roxas in Capiz, PHIVOLCS said.

A magnitude 5.1 aftershock, meanwhile, occurred at 5:50 a.m. Wednesday. —KG/RSJ, GMA News