The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded a moderately strong earthquake with a magnitude of 5.0 in Masbate province on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
The tremor occurred at 9:01 p.m. and originated 12 kilometers southwest of Monreal, Masbate.
The tremor was felt at Intensity V (strong) in Masbate City in Masbate and Intensity IV (moderately strong) in Monreal, Batuan, and San Fernando, all in Masbate.
It was recorded at Intensity III (weak) in Uson, Mobo, Dimasalang, and Milagros in Masbate; Tagapul-an and Almagro in Samar; and San Vicente in Northern Samar.
Meanwhile, it was “slightly felt” at Intensity II in Baleno, Cataingan, Aroroy, Palanas, Mandaon, and Claveria in Masbate; and in Allen, Victoria, San Isidro, and Lavezares in Northern Samar
Intensity I (scarcely perceptible) was registered in Lope de Vega, Northern Samar.
Phivolcs said the earthquake was tectonic in origin, resulting from the movement of an active fault near the area.
It added that there could be damage and aftershocks following this earthquake.