Magnitude 4.8 earthquake strikes Ilocos Norte

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake hit Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte with Intensity III recorded. (Photo from Phivolcs)

MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck Ilocos Norte on Wednesday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

The agency reported that the epicenter was 11 kilometers northeast of Nueva Era in Ilocos Norte. Phivolcs detected the tectonic earthquake at 5:39 a.m., with a depth of focus of one  kilometer.

Phivolcs recorded Intensity III in the following areas in Ilocos Norte: Laoag City, San Nicolas, and Pinili.

According to the Phivolcs Earthquake Intensity Scale, Intensity III means that the quake is weak but it is still “felt by many people indoors especially in upper floors of buildings.”

State seismologists also reported the following Instrumental Intensities:

Intensity II – Bangued, Abra; Pasuquin and Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Vigan City, Ilocos Sur;
Intensity I – Peñablanca and Gonzaga, Cagayan

Phivolcs said that no aftershocks and damage are expected.

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JMS