Magnitude 5.5 quake jolts Batanes

BATANES, Philippines — A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck off the coast of Batanes yesterday.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the epicenter of the quake, which occurred at around 6:32 a.m., was located 49 kilometers west of Sabtang Island.

The temblor was felt at Intensity 4, which is classified as moderately strong, in Sabtang and Intensity 3 in Basco, Ivana, Mahatao and Uyugah.

Another quake with a magnitude of 3.1 struck 51 kms southwest of Sabtang at about 8:50 a.m.

Phivolcs warned the public of aftershocks even as no damage was expected from the quakes.