A moderately strong earthquake measuring 5.0-magnitude on the Richter scale shook parts of Bicol, and Eastern and Central Visayas on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 15.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) initially measured the earthquake at magnitude 4.8, which occurred at 2:35 p.m.
Its epicenter was traced 18 kilometers southeast of Pio V. Corpuz, Masbate.
It was felt as a “moderately strong” earthquake at Intensity IV in Pio V. Corpuz and Cataingan, Masbate; Almagro and Tagapul-an, Samar; Naval, Maripipi, Kawayan, Almeria, Biliran; Calubian, Leyte; and Medellin, Cebu.
Meanwhile, it was recorded as a “weak” shaking at Intensity III in Villaba and Tabango Leyte; and Calbayog City and Catbalogan City, Samar; Tacloban City; Palo, Carigara, and Jaro, Leyte; and Irosin, Sorsogon felt the tremor as a “slight” shaking at Intensity II.
It was registered at Intensity I or “scarcely perceptible” in Liloan in Cebu, Mandaue City, Cebu City, and Lapu-Lapu City.
While damage to property was not expected, Phivolcs said aftershocks were likely to occur.
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 18 kilometers, thus the strong shaking.