(UPDATE) A major earthquake measuring 7.0-magnitude on the Richter scale shook parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, on Wednesday morning, July 27, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in an earthquake bulletin.
Phivolcs said the earthquake that occurred at around 8:43 a.m. has originated 3 kilometers (km) northwest of Tayum, Abra.
It was initially measured as a magnitude 7.3 quake but Phivolcs later revised it to magnitude 7.0.
Phivolcs said the earthquake was felt at Intensity VII (destructive) in Bucloc and Manabo in Abra.
Meanwhile, it was felt at Intensity VI, as a “very strong” shaking, in Vigan City, Sinait, Bantay, and San Esteban in Ilocos Sur; Laoac in Pangasinan; and Baguio City.
It was also “strong” at Intensity V in Magsingal and San Juan in Ilocos Sur; Alaminos City and Labrador in Pangasinan; Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya; Mexico, Pampanga; Concepcion and Tarlac City in Tarlac province; Manila City; and Malabon City.
Intensity IV or “moderately strong” shaking was felt in Marikina City; Quezon City; Pasig City; Valenzuela City; Tabuk City, Kalinga; Bautista and Malasiqui in Pangasinan; Bayombong and Diadi in Nueva Vizcaya; Guiguinto, Obando, and San Rafael in Bulacan; and San Mateo, Rizal.
Bolinao, Pangasinan; Bulakan, Bulacan; and Tanay, Rizal felt the quake at Intensity III (weak), and Intensity II (slightly felt) in General Trias City, Cavite and Santa Rosa City, Laguna.
Phivolcs noted that the earthquake was tectonic, which means it was caused by the movement of an active fault near the area.
It advised the public to stay vigilant as aftershocks may occur due to this earthquake.