Phivolcs downgrades Ilocos Norte quake to magnitude 5.4

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 12:24 p.m.) — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology downgraded the moderate earthquake that hit Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte to magnitude 5.4.

The quake, tectonic in origin, hit 11 kilometers northeast of Pagudpud town at 10:48 a.m with a depth of 15 kilometers. It was earlier recorded as magnitude 5.8 quake before it was revised to a magnitude 5.4.

Tremors were recorded at Intensity V—classified as “strong”—in Pasuquin, Bacarra and Laoag City in Ilocos Norte and Tuguegarao City in Cagayan. This means the shaking was felt generally by most people indoors and outdoors. 

Intensity IV (moderately strong) was recorded in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Intensity III (weak) in Sinait and Santa in Ilocos Sur and Sudipen in La Union and Intensity II (slightly felt.)

The following instrumental intensities were reported in these areas:

• Intensity V - Claveria, Cagayan 
• Intensity IV - Pasuquin & Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
• Intensity III - Sinait and Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Phivolcs also recorded 2 aftershocks between 11:02 a.m. (magnitude 3.5) to 11:49 a.m. (magnitude 2.2).

The country’s seismology bureau said there is no tsunami threat after the moderate earthquake that hit Ilocos Norte.

“No destructive tsunami threat exists based on available data,” it said. — Gaea Katreena Cabico