ORMOC CITY — A 5.1-magnitude earthquake that hit Ormoc City at 6:26 a.m. yesterday claimed the lives of two women—one “directly” and another “indirectly.”

Ormoc City Health Officer Nelita Navales identified the “direct” fatality as Maria Contreras Colasito, 51, of Barangay Naungan. Colasito reportedly died when she banged her head after sliding or falling down while the quake was going on.

A rescue team member also reported that 70-year-old Rosita Baloro, of Brgy. San Jose died after suffering a heart attack from her fright of the quake. Navales said Baloro was considered as an “indirect” fatality of the quake.

The Bureau of Fire Protection in Ormoc, on the other hand, reportedly rushed 20-year-old Jerelie Mercules, of Brgy. Punta, to the hospital when she fell down the stairs during the quake.

A mother of four, Priscilda Serenio, at Brgy. Milagro evacuation center was also rushed to the hospital after experiencing false labor.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the epicenter of the quake, under Intensity 5 (classified as ‘strong’), was in Albuera town of Leyte, about 15 kilometers south of Ormoc, with a depth of five kilometers.

Intensity 4 (moderately strong) was felt by residents of Pastrana town, while Intensity 3 hit Tacloban City and adjacent Palo town, said Phivolcs, adding that the epicenter was pinpointed at Brgy. Talisayan in Albuera.

Albuera Mayor Rosa Meneses yesterday confirmed that no casualty or damage were reported due to the strong tremor.

"But I already ordered my people to be always alert, and stay at safe areas for possible