A moderately strong earthquake measuring 5.5-magnitude on the Richter scale rocked Quezon province early Thursday.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the earthquake was felt around 4:52 a.m. and traced 42 kilometers northeast of Jomalig town in Quezon province.
It was felt as a “moderately strong” tremor at Intensity IV in Guinayangan, Quezon; and “slight” shaking at Intensity II in Marikina City, Navotas City and Quezon City. Meanwhile, it was “scarcely perceptible” at Intensity I in Muntinlupa City.
Phivolcs’ instruments also recorded the earthquake at Intensity IV in Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte; and Intensity III or “weak” tremor in Pili, Camarines Sur; Mauban, Lopez and Mulanay, Quezon.
The earthquake was also registered at Intensity II in Malolos City in Bulacan, Gumaca and Dolores in Quezon province, and Baler, Aurora.
Meanwhile, it was documented at Intensity I in Iriga City, Camarines Sur; Malabon City; San Juan City; Pasig City; Guagua, Pampanga; Talisay, Batangas; and Palayan City in Nueva Ecija.
Phivolcs said the quake was tectonic in origin, which means the tremor was caused by the movement of an active fault in the area.
Likewise, the tremor was shallow at a depth of 7 kilometers, thus the strong shaking.
While damage to property is not expected, Phivolcs said aftershocks are likely to occur.
The 5.5-magnitude earthquake occurred days after a series of destructive tremors jolted Central and Southern Mindanao. (Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz)