The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has downgraded the earthquake that jolted Ilocos Norte yesterday morning, from magnitude 5.8 to 5.4.
Phivolcs recorded the moderately strong 5.4-magnitude earthquake around 10:48 a.m. At least two aftershocks measuring 3.5-magnitude and 2.2-magnitude were documented around 11:02 a.m. and 11:49 a.m., respectively.
It said the main quake originated 14 kilometers northwest of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. The aftershocks also originated in the same area.
The main earthquake was felt as a “strong” tremor at Intensity 5 in Pasuquin, Bacarra, and Laoag City in Ilocos Norte; and Claveria and Tuguegarao City in Cagayan.
Meanwhile, it was moderately strong” at Intensity 4 in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.
The quake was felt at Intensity 3 or weak tremor in Vigan City, Sinait, and Santa in Ilocos Sur; and Sudipen, La Union.
Baguio City felt the quake as a “slight” shaking at Intensity 2.
Phivolcs said the earthquake was tectonic in origin, which was caused by ground shaking primarily due to the sudden movement in the Earth’s plates.
The 5.4-magnitude quake was shallow at a depth of 15 kilometers thus the strong ground shaking. (Ellalyn de Vera-Ruiz)
