Initial Assessment of Sipalay City Earthquake Damage
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck Sipalay City, Negros Occidental on the morning of May 17, prompting authorities to assess the extent of the damage. The event, which occurred at 8:33 a.m., shook not only Sipalay but also surrounding areas across Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.
Local officials confirmed that the city’s preparedness efforts played a vital role during the tremor. Executive Assistant Dionilo Bogtae, who oversees Public Safety and the Sipalay Emergency Assistance and Rescue Services (SEARS), noted that the community remained calm throughout the ordeal. He attributed this calmness to frequent earthquake drills that have helped residents understand the proper safety procedures during such emergencies.
Response and Inspection Efforts Underway
Immediately following the earthquake, rescue teams and personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection were dispatched to inspect government facilities and other key structures. Reports indicate that no major damage has been confirmed so far, although officials are awaiting further updates from teams working outside the city center.
Bogtae also shared that inspections of critical infrastructure, including bridges, revealed no visible damage. Despite the absence of significant harm, residents and authorities remain alert, especially as a series of aftershocks have followed the initial tremor.
Areas Affected and Safety Advice
The earthquake was felt across various municipalities and cities in Negros Occidental, including Cauayan, Candoni, La Castellana, Silay, Bago, Pontevedra, Kabankalan, Pulupandan, Himamaylan, Valladolid, Cadiz, La Carlota, and Bacolod City. It was also strongly felt in Negros Oriental’s Bayawan, Bais, and Dumaguete cities.
Community leaders said, “People who experienced the tremor and aftershocks were advised to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols to protect themselves.” Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure public safety and provide timely updates as more information becomes available.
For more news and updates on earthquake response, visit Filipinokami.com.
