5.4-magnitude quake hits Batanes

TUGUEGARAO CITY–A magnitude 5.4 earthquake was recorded on Sunday at 9:43 a.m. in the waters off Sabtang in Batanes, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

The tectonic quake had a depth of 48 km.

It was initially reported by Phivolcs as having magnitude 5.7 but it was later reduced to 5.4.

Reports said the earthquake had its epicenter off the shores of Sabtang island-town.

Intensity V was felt in Sabtang in Batanes while Intensity IV was felt in Basco, Mahatao, Ivana, and Uyugan in Batanes; and Intensity III in Itbayat, Batanes.

Aftershocks occurred but no damage were reported.

JPV