Cebu Under State of Calamity After the 7.2 Earthquake

Cebu is now under State of Calamity after the provincial government of Cebu made a declaration on October 15, 2013 after the province was hit by magnitude 7.2 earthquake.

Related Article: Suspension of Cl(–foul word(s) removed–) on Affected Areas

Basilica

Basilica Sto. Nino (Photo Credit: @thejulieism Twitter)

The Cebu Provincial Board made an emergency meeting hours after the quake struck the province of Cebu. The 7.2 tremor was centered in neighboring Bohol province, but it was felt across the region.

The declaration of state of calamity by a city or province will make it easier for the government to deliver the needed services in affected areas. Calamity funds are also appropriated, the prices of the basic goods are frozen, no interest loans may be granted, and additional allowances are granted for government officials and disaster agencies in the area.

According to Phivolcs records, the 7.2 earthquake struck at around 8:12 AM on October 15, with its epicenter in the town of Carmen, Bohol. One of the most damaged structures in Cebu is the historic Basilica Minor Del Sto Niño at the heart of Cebu City. The structure was first built by the Spanish colonizers in the 1500’s but the current stone structure dates back to the 1700’s.

Phivolcs also reported a total of 110 aftershocks followed the 7.2 quake. There are other incidents related to the quake, including landslides in the towns of Aloguinsan and Argao, damage buildings in Boljoon, Tudela, Ronda, Mandaue City, and accident in Talisay City, Cebu.

 

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