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Philippine: Earthquake - Nov 1994

Status
Past
Countries
Philippines
Disaster types
Earthquake

A strong earthquake hit the island of Mindoro, Philippines, at 03.15 hrs local time on 15 November 1994 (GMT: 19.15 hrs 14 November). According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the preliminary magnitude and location of the quake are 7.1 on the Richter scale, latitude 13.4 degrees north, longitude 121.1 degrees south, which places the epicentre on the coastline of the island of Mindoro (approximately 140 kms south of Manila). At this time, no confirmed information on damage or casualties is available although it is feared that the quake, which was felt in Manila, may have caused substantial damage on Mindoro. The quake appears to have triggered a tidal wave which has affected the coastal area of the island. (UN DHA, 15 Nov 1994)

The earthquake which hit the coastline of the island of Mindoro triggered a tidal wave of 10 to 15 metres. According to the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), the provinces of Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro and Batangas city were affected by the earthquake and tidal wave. Sixty-two (62) persons were killed, 136 injured and 2 are missing. In Oriental Mindoro, 53,342 families were affected and 119 houses destroyed. Communications system entirely broken down, water supply disrupted and power knocked out over wide areas. Bridges were destroyed in 19 Barangays and damage to roads is estimated at pesos 67.2 million (approx. Usd 2.6 million). In Batangas city, 7 houses were destroyed and 1 church damaged. (UN DHA, 16 Nov 1994)

The latest update from the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) on the impact of the earthquake in Mindoro, as of 17 November 1994, 6.30 am, indicates: 74 persons killed, 171 injured and 7 missing. In Oriental Mindoro, 797 houses totally destroyed and 3,288 partially damaged. Two of the 4 berthing pads for ships at the main port of the province heavily damaged. Nineteen (19) bridges along the national and provincial roads are impassable. Power supply throughout the province cut off and the 7.2 mw power barge of the national power corporation, which was washed away by big waves, remains unoperational. (UN DHA, 17 Nov 1994)