The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said a 5.6-magnitude earthquake hit Cagayan province on Thursday morning, March 23.
Based on its earthquake information, Phivolcs said the quake struck 18 kilometers northwest of Dalupiri Island, Calayan, Cagayan around 7:31 a.m.
The tremor was felt at Intensity V (strong) in Calayan, Cagayan.
It was also felt at Intensity IV (moderately strong) inBangui, Burgos and Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte and Claveria and Santa Praxedes in Cagayan.
Meanwhile, Phivolcs said the quake was felt at Intensity III (weak) in Luna, Apayao; Adams, Bacarra, Dumalneg, Pasuquin and San Nicolas in Ilocos Norte; and Abulug, Aparri, Pamplona, Peñablanca and Sanchez Mira in Cagayan; Intensity II (slightly felt) in Flora, Kabugao, Pudtol and Santa Marcela in Apayao; Batac City, Laoag City, Paoay, Sarrat and Vintar in Ilocos Norte; and Allacapan,
Ballesteros, Buguey, Camalaniugan, Lal-Lo, Santa Ana and Santa Teresita in Cagayan; and Intensity I (scarcely perceptible) in Basco, Ivana, Mahatao, Sabtang and Uyugan in and Gonzaga and Lasam in Cagayan.
Phivolcs’ instruments also recorded the tremor at Intensity III in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte and Claveria, Cagayan; Intensity II in Laoag City in Ilocos Norte and Narvacan in Ilocos Sur; and Intensity I in Peñablanca and Gonzaga in Cagayan, Batac in Ilocos Norte, and Sinait in Ilocos Sur.
Phivolcs said the earthquake was tectonic, which means it was caused by the movement of an active fault near the area.
The quake may have caused damage to houses, buildings, and other infrastructures, Phivolcs said.
It also warned the public against possible aftershocks due to this earthquake.