Earthquake shakes, causes damage in several South Leyte towns

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
July 21, 2007

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  An earthquake of tectonic origin shook Western and Southern Leyte at 11:10 Thursday night causing power failure in Hinunangan, Southern Leyte and in some areas in Southern Leyte.

The earthquake per information provided by the Office of Civil Defense in Region 8 (OCD-8), was traced at 10.37 degrees north, 125.15 degrees east, seven kilometers southwest of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte.

The origin of the earthquake was reported to be the Philippine Fault Zone Leyte Segment and it has a magnitude of 5.5.

Director Salvador Estudillo informed that the earthquake was felt at intensity 6 in Hinunangan, Southern Leyte; Intensity 5 in St. Bernard; Intensity 4 in Sogod and Intensity 2 in Cebu City.

Initial reports on damage of the earthquake revealed power failures in Hinunangan from 11:10 in the evening of July 19 until 5:00 o’clock in the morning of July 20. Cracks at the Hinunangan Municipal Hall have been observed.

Mr. Rey Gozun of OCD-8 who was dispatched to Southern Leyte by Director Estudillo, together with staff of Philvocs, informed the Philippine Information Agency said that the team is now conducting Rapid Assessment on the Damage and Needs Analysis of the people affected.

Mr. Gozun confirmed that the belfry of the Hinunangan Church have severe cracks and that the road beside the belfry has already been closed to traffic because of the danger of belfry collapse.

Mr. Gozun added that cracks have been observed at the approach of the Day-as Bridge, also in Hinunangan. The bridge however, is still serviceable and open to commuters.

The Rapid Assessment team is scheduled to proceed to St. Bernard town and the other municipalities affected to look into the extent of damage caused by the earthquake.