Not linked to recent quakes: Manila Trench movement possibly triggered Zambales quake, says Phivolcs
By Jel Santos
(PHOTO: PIXABAY)
The magnitude 5 earthquake that struck Zambales on Saturday evening, Oct. 11, was possibly caused by the movement along the Manila Trench, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
This means the recent earthquakes in Cebu, La Union, and Davao are not connected, as the Cebu tremor was generated by the Bogo Bay Fault, the La Union quake by the Philippine Fault, and the Davao quakes by movements along the Philippine Trench.
According to the agency, the Manila Trench is an offshore earthquake generator west of Luzon, running parallel to the archipelago and nearing land at southern Occidental Mindoro.
Phivolcs reported that the tectonic quake occurred at 5:32 p.m. and was located 19 kilometers northeast of Cabangan, Zambales, with a depth of 100 kilometers.
Instrumental intensities were recorded in several areas of Central Luzon and Northern Luzon.
Phivolcs recorded Instrumental Intensity III in Cabangan and Iba, Zambales.
Meanwhile, Instrumental Intensity II was observed in Calumpit, Bulacan; San Fernando, La Union; Guimba, Nueva Ecija; Bani and Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Santa Ignacia, Tarlac City, and Ramos, Tarlac; as well as in Botolan, Subic, and San Marcelino, Zambales.
Phivolcs said no damage is expected from the quake, but aftershocks are possible.
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