Philippines: earthquake, 5 people injured

This morning 6-3, a moderate intensity earthquake cracked many high-rise buildings in the central Philippines, causing at least 5 people to be injured and causing many others to panic to the street.

>>>Earthquakes in the Philippines have killed 43 people

Renato Solidum of the Philippines Volcanic and Seismic Institute said the earthquake has a magnitude of 5.2 on the Richter scale.

A road damaged by an earthquake in the Philippines in February 2012 - (Photo: AFP)

The quake from the earthquake was also felt in the nearby provinces.

Information with the AP over the phone, Socrates Tuason - Mayor of Masbate, said there were no major damage reports yet, and the electricity and telecommunications systems were not affected.

The earthquake cracked the walls and broke many glass doors of houses and tall buildings, causing panic. People came out of their houses, offices, hospitals and schools, and did not dare to return even after an hour after the earthquake.

Socrates Tuason said at least five people were injured by falling objects.

'I was having breakfast with my wife when everything started shaking. TV and cups fell to the ground. When I ran out, I saw people pouring out of the streets, ' Tuason recalled.

He also said disaster support and response groups have been deployed throughout the city. Officials are also checking to believe an abandoned three-story building collapsed into a densely populated area.

Students at all schools were given a leave to inspect the damage by the authorities. An emergency meeting of officials was also convened to respond to an unusual incident.

The Philippines is located on the 'Pacific Ring of Fire', so earthquakes and volcanoes often occur. On February 6, an earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale in the central region killed 43 people, including many children.

Earlier in 1990, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake killed nearly 2,000 people in Luzon.