Magnitude 5.5 quake rocks Cagayan

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Thursday reported that a magnitude 5.5 earthquake jolted Cagayan.

The quake occurred at 4:34 p.m. and was also felt in the region of Ilocos.

Its epicenter was located 19.18°North, 121.23°East - 027 kilometer S 65° West of Calayan, Cagayan.

Phivolcs said the tremor was felt at various intensities in the following areas:

• Intensity IV - Laoag City; Bacarra, Pasuquin, and Vintar, Ilocos Norte
• Intensity III - Cervantes, and Sinait, Ilocos Sur

Instrumental Intensities:

• Intensity IV - Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte
• Intensity III - Sinait, Ilocos Sur
• Intensity II - Peñablanca, Cagayan
• Intensity I - Vigan City

The institute categorized quakes felt at Intensity IV as moderately strong. This kind of quake is generally felt by people indoors and by some people outdoors. 

Phivolcs said it is not expecting any damage from the tremor but advised residents in affected areas of possible aftershocks.

Almost 20 other mild quakes were recorded by Phivolcs on Thursday. They were all determined to be tectonic in origin.

The quakes were recorded in the areas of Isabela, Zambales, Surigao del Norte, Cagayan, Sultan Kudarat, Southern Leyte, Davao Oriental, Eastern Samar and Davao Occidental.