NGCP: Earthquake did not affect power transmission in Negros Occidental

INQUIRER FILES

BACOLOD CITY — Power transmission in Negros Occidental remained stable following an earthquake on Tuesday afternoon.

In an advisory, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) said the tremor did not affect their facilities.

“The grid remains intact as there had been no reported cases of power interruptions and damaged transmission facilities in areas where the earthquake was felt,” it said.

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake shook Hinoba-an town in southern Negros Occidental at 3:37 p.m. on Dec. 17, causing some residents to panic and run out of offices and homes.

“The earthquake was short but very strong; it was felt by the entire town and neighboring areas,” Mayor Daph Reliquias said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the earthquake was tectonic in origin and was felt at Intensity 5 in Hinoba-an.

It was felt at Intensity 4 in Sipalay City in Negros Occidental, Intensity 3 in San Jose de Buenavista and Hamtic in Antique and Iloilo City, Intensity 2 in Sibulan, and Intensity 1 in Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.

“Many sleeping people were awakened. Some were frightened. Some run outdoors,” Phivolcs said.

“Strong shaking and rocking were felt throughout a building. Hanging objects swing violently. Dining utensils clatter and clink, some were broken. Standing vehicles rocked noticeably. Shaking of leaves and twigs of trees were noticeable,” it added.

Reliquias said there was minor damage at their municipal hall.

“Part of the canopy at the entrance fell off,” he added.