Phivolcs records moderately strong 5.4-magnitude quake in Ilocos Norte

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake jolted Ilocos Norte at 12:05 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 2, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Phivolcs located its epicenter at 15 kilometers (km) northwest of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, and was initially measured as a 5.9-magnitude quake.

The tremor, which occurred at a depth of 30 km, was tectonic or caused by the movememt of an active fault near the area, said Phivolcs.

The tremor was "strong" at Intensity V in Adams, Bacarra, Bangui, Burgos, Dingras, Dumalneg, City of Laoag, Pagudpud, Pasuquin, Sarrat, and Vintar, Ilocos Norte and Lacub, Abra.

Phivolcs also recorded the quake at Intensity IV (moderately strong) in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur.

Moreover, it was "weak" at Intensity III in City of Ilagan, Isabela, while it was "slightly felt" at Intensity II in Peñablanca, Cagayan. 

Phivolcs' instruments also recorded the tremor at Intensity VI (very strong) in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte; Intensity V in City of Laoag, Ilocos Norte; Intensity IV in Sinait and City of Vigan, Ilocos Sur and Claveria, Cagayan; Intensity III in Gonzaga, Cagayan, and City of Ilagan, Isabela; and Intensity II (slightly felt) in Solsona, Ilocos Norte; and Peñablanca, Cagayan.

Phivolcs warned the public of damages to properties as well as possible aftershocks.