PARTS of northern Negros, including Bacolod City, were jolted following an earthquake in Masbate island Tuesday morning, August 18.

Based on information forwarded by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the epicenter of the magnitude 6.6 tremor was located seven kilometers east of Cataingan, Masbate.

The quake was felt at Intensity 4, which is equivalent to the vibration of a passing of heavy truck, in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

It was felt at Intensity 3, which could be felt by many people indoors especially in upper floors of buildings, in the cities of Bacolod, Bago, and San Carlos.

Although the tremor did not trigger any evacuations in Bacolod City, a video shared by a resident of Cadiz City showed people evacuating the public market, but they later resumed operation after an "all clear" was given.

In Cataingan, Masbate, a three-story house collapsed as the ground shook. A retired police officer pinned in the debris died, and rescuers were looking for other members of his family who may be trapped.

At least 25 people were injured and several houses and low-slung buildings were damaged by the quake.