State seismologists on Saturday, June 3, said a 4.6-magnitude earthquake jolted Masbate.
(Phivolcs)
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), in its bulletin issued at 12:51 p.m., said the quake was initially recorded early Saturday morning at 12:22 a.m.
Its epicenter was traced eight kilometers (km) northeast of the City of Masbate. It was tectonic in origin, indicating that it was caused by the movement of an active fault near the area.
Phivolcs said it was “moderately strong” at Intensity IV in the City of Masbate and Uson while it was “weak” at Intensity III in Aroroy, Batuan, San Fernando, Monreal, Baleno, Mobo, and Milagros in Masbate.
The following instrumental intensities were also recorded: Instrumental Intensity IV in the City of Masbate; Instrumental Intensity III in Aroroy, Milagros, and Monreal Masbate; and Instrumental Intensity I in the City of Legazpi in Albay.
Damage and aftershocks are expected due to this seismic event.