6.4-magnitude quake jolts Occidental Mindoro - Phivolcs


(Phivolcs)

An offshore earthquake measuring magnitude 6.4 rocked Occidental Mindoro and nearby areas, including parts of Metro Manila, at around 5:05 a.m., Monday, March 14, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Phivolcs said the epicenter of the earthquake was traced 110 kilometers (km) northwest of Lubang, Occidental Mindoro, and occurred at a shallow depth of 29 km.

It initially measured the quake at magnitude 5.7 but later revised it to magnitude 6.4.

Phivolcs said it was felt as a weak tremor at Intensity III in Quezon City, Taguig City, Mandaluyong City, and Makati City, while it was "slightly weak" at Intensity II in Talisay, Batangas.

Is instruments also recorded the quake at Intensity III in Calumpit, Bulacan; Guagua, Pampanga; Olongapo City; Carmona and Tagaytay City, Cavite; and Calapan, Oriental Mindoro.

It was also recored at Intensity II in Las Piñas City; Marikina City; Muntinlupa City; Quezon City; Pasig City; Baler, Aurora; City of Malolos, Marilao, Pandi, Plaridel, San Ildefonso, and San Rafael, Bulacan; Gapan City, and Palayan City in Nueva Ecija; Iba, Zambales; Batangas City and Talisay, Batangas; Dolores and Gumaca, Quezon; and Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.

It was detected at Intensity I in Parañaque City; Pateros; Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan; Cabanatuan City and San Jose City in Nueva Ecija; Magalang, Pampanga; Tarlac City, Tarlac; Los Baños, Laguna; Infanta, Lucban, Mauban, Mulanay and Polillo, Quezon; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Roxas, Oriental Mindoro; and Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Phivolcs said the earthquake was tectonic in origin, which means it was caused by the movement of an active fault near the area.

It does not expect damage but advised the public to stay vigilant as aftershocks may occur due to this earthquake.