Magnitude 3 quake hits Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Two months after a strong earthquake killed over 200 people and destroyed hundreds of structures, causing over P1 billion in damage in Bohol and Cebu, a magnitude 3 earthquake jolted Cebu Saturday evening.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said epicenter of the 11:20 p.m. quake, which was tectonic in origin, was located near barangays Taptap and Guba in Cebu City.

Intensity 3 was felt in Mandaue City and intensity 2 in the cities of Cebu and Lapu-Lapu.

Phivolcs described an intensity 3 earthquake as weak, but it is felt by many people indoors, especially those in upper floors of buildings. A vibration like the “passing of a light truck” would be felt, while water containers oscillate and hanging objects swing moderately.

In a telephone interview, Phivolcs Cebu Seismic Observer Robinson Jorgio said what was felt was not an aftershock of the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit Bohol and Cebu last Oct. 15.

“Wala pod to siyay (Saturday’s earthquake had no) aftershock kay hinay ra man (because it was just weak),” he said.

Phivolcs, however, considered the magnitude 2.7 quake that occurred at 11:27 p.m. of the same day as an aftershock of the Oct. 15 tremor.

The magnitude 2.7 aftershock, which Bohol and Cebu felt, had its epicenter between Maribojoc, Bohol and Dalaguete, Cebu.

Phivolcs said it received reports on damage after both incidents. (FREEMAN)