Quake sends Kidapawan City Hall employees ending work abruptly

Kidapawan City Hall employees get out of their respective offices following the magnitude 4.0 earthquake Friday afternoon that was felt at Intensity 5 in the city. (Williamor A. Magbanua, Inquirer Mindanao)

KIDAPAWAN CITY—At least 300 city government employees abruptly ended work 20 minutes earlier to rush to safety during a magnitude 4 quake that shook City Hall.

“It was strong,” said one employee who ran quickly to an open space in front of City Hall.

Except for three offices where retrofitting work is still underway, most City Hall employees have returned to their spaces since Monday, Nov. 11.

Mayor Joseph Evangelista earlier ordered a temporary evacuation from the over 50-year old building since October 30 to give way to a full study of its structural integrity.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology’s earthquake bulletin said the tremor was tectonic, and struck 12 kilometers east of Makilala town.

It was felt at magnitude 5 in Kidapawan. Ryan Rosauro/Edited by TSB