A 5.0-magnitude earthquake jolted Masbate province on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 15, based on the earthquake information issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
It was initially measured as a 4.5-magnitude earthquake but Phivolcs later updated it to 5.0-magnitude.
Phivolcs said the quake struck 11 kilometers northwest of Dimasalang, Masbate around 5:15 p.m.
The tremor was felt at Intensity V (strong) in Masbate City and Uson, Masbate; Intensity IV (moderately strong) in Aroroy, Batuan, Dimasalang, Mobo, San Jacinto, and San Pascual, Masbate; and Intensity III (weak) in Legazpi City and Daraga in Albay, Baleno,Cataingan, Milagros, Monreal, and Palanas in Masbate, and Irosin in Sorsogon.
It was also felt at Intensity II (slightly felt) in Guinobatan in Albay, Pio V. Corpuz and Placer in Masbate, Sorsogon City and Bulusan in Sorsogon, and Roxas City in Capiz; and Intensity I (scarcely perceptible) in Bobon in Northern Samar.
Phivolcs said the earthquake may have caused damage to houses, buildings, and other infrastructures.
It advised the public to stay vigilant as aftershocks may occur.