MANILA – A magnitude 5.8 earthquake jolted Isabela on Thursday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
The tectonic quake struck 15 kilometers northeast of the municipality of Maconacon at 8:49 a.m. It was 42 km deep.
Intensity V was felt in Peñablanca, Enrile and Tuguegarao City in Cagayan. Intensity IV was reported in City of Batac, while Intensity II was felt in Pasuquin, Bacarra and City of Laoag, all in Ilocos Norte.
Phivolcs also logged the following instrumental intensities:
Intensity V - Peñablanca, Cagayan
Intensity IV - Gonzaga, Cagayan
Intensity III - Ilagan, Isabela
Intensity II - Casiguran, Aurora; Pasuquin, Laoag City, Batacin Ilocos Norte; Vigan City, Ilocos Sur; Santiago City, Isabela; Tabuk, Kalinga; Madella, Quirino
Intensity I - Bangued, Abra; Diapaculao, Baler, Aurora; Narvacan, Ilocos Sur; Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.
Reported intensity is the traditional way of knowing the intensity based on reports of people who felt the earthquake while instrumental intensity is measured using an intensity meter that measures ground acceleration.
Phivolcs said aftershocks are likely, but damage is not expected from the quake.
locos Norte
In Ilocos Norte, hospital workers and patients of the government-run Mariano Marcos Hospital and Medical Center rushed out of the building after feeling mild shaking of the ground.
Safety officers only allowed them to return 30 minutes later when the building has been assessed safe for occupancy.
Residents in these areas were advised to take precautionary measures as aftershocks are expected. No damage was recorded so far, authorities said. (with reports from Leilanie Adriano/PNA)