Philippines: Moderate 5.9-magnitude earthquake jolts Ilocos Sur
A 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck about 70 kilometers of the coast of Vigan City, Ilocos Sur in Northern Luzon early this morning, according to the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs)
The tectonic in origin quake hit about 4:45 am at depth of 16 kilometers in the West Philippine Sea. Despite the fact that the temblor was felt at Intensity IV in the following locations–Vigan, Sinait, Paoay, Cadugao, San Juan, Macsingal, Sto. Domingo, San Il de Fonso, Bantay, Cauayan, Sta Catalina, Santa Ilocos Sur & Batac and Ilocos Norte, Phivolcs does not expect any casualties or damage.
They do say however that aftershocks are expected.
According to the Richter magnitude scale, an earthquake that registers at 5.0-5.9 is considered moderate. It can cause moderate to major damage to poorly constructed buildings. At most, none to slight damage to well-designed buildings. Can be felt far from the epicenter at lower intensities and across wider areas. Deaths can depend on the effects.
The Philippines lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, which causes the country to have frequent seismic and volcanic activity. Much larger numbers of earthquakes of smaller magnitude occur very regularly due to the meeting of major tectonic plates in the region.
Image/Phivlcs
