Local News: 2 Injured in Stampede as Gaisano Kabankalan Jolts; Classes Suspended
Two shoppers were injured and are now confined in a local hospital in Kabankalan City, about 90 kilometers from Bacolod after Gaisano Kabankalan was jolted by Intensity 6.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Negros Occidental about 11:40 a.m. yesterday.
The name of two injured persons have not been available as of presstime, according to Kabankalan PNP who are all confined at Kabankalan District Hospital in the city.
The two suffered injuries in different parts of the body as a result of a stampede when shoppers panicked due to the tremor. Gaisano Kabankalan’s right side crystal entrance was totally damaged, according to police reports causing the business establishment to immediately close. A few minutes later, all other establishments followed suit and the City residents were advised to stay home.
Subsequently, all classes were suspended as school authorities ordered students to go home. No untoward incidents were reported in nearby towns like Hinigaran and Binalbagan and Himamaylan City.
Rogelio De Luna, Kabankalan City PNP radio operator on duty, said it was
stronger than the one two years ago when Intensity 5 hit Sipalay City in
southern Negros Occidental.
In Bacolod City, Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia immediately announced the suspension
of work and classes in all levels. So far, reports of damages within the city
have yet to be properly accounted for.
Panic among students were also observed, as more than a 2-minute tremor hit the city.
Immediately after the tremor, a power blackout occurred but it was short-lived when it came just after about 30 minutes.
Tsunami alert was also circulated to all concerned, as possible aftershocks are expected especially those living along the shorelines. There are already movements in some parts of the province for those living in the seashores evacuating to higher grounds.
Disaster Coordinating Councils both in the province and Bacolod City were on alert status while assessing the impact of the earthquake.*
