HTH -- Haiti Earthquake

February 6, 2012. At least 43 killed in 6.8 earthquake in the Philippines

SOURCE: Altegrity Risk International

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the central Philippines on February 6th, killing at least 43 people and causing widespread panic, officials said. The powerful quake hit in a narrow strait between the heavily populated island provinces of Negros and Cebu, causing buildings to collapse, cracking roads and bridges, and shutting down the power supply. In Cebu city, a popular tourist destination of 2.3 million and the nation's second largest city, hotel guests scrambled to higher floors as unfounded rumors that a huge tsunami was bearing down spread by text message. At least 29 were killed by landslides while 10 others were crushed by collapsing buildings in the mountainous town of Guihulngan in Negros.

Almost four hours after the quake struck, a strong 6.2-magnitude aftershock hit the central Philippines again, panicking rescuers once more.