Magnitude 5.9 quake shakes Luzon

MANILA, Philippines– An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 struck near Lubang, Occidental Mindoro, jolting  a large swath of Luzon at 4:23 p.m. Tuesday,  according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

The earthquake’s epicenter was located at approximately seven kilometers south-southeast of Lubang. The tremor had a depth of focus of 79 kilometers, indicating a tectonic origin.

It was felt in various areas in Metro Manila, in Batangas and in Bulacan.

There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The depth and nature of the earthquake suggest that it may have been felt over a wide area, but with varying intensities.

Phivolcs attributed the tremor, felt in various areas of Metro Manila and neighboring provinces, to movement in the Manila Trench.

There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries, but state seismologists said aftershocks are expected.

The depth and nature of the earthquake suggest that it may have been felt over a wide area, but with varying intensities.

Instrumental intensity were recorded by Phivolcs in the following areas:

• Intensity V (strong): Magallanes, and City of Tagaytay, Cavite; Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
• Intensity IV (moderately strong): City of Malabon; Guiguinto, and Pandi, Bulacan; Laurel, Lemery, and San Luis, Batangas; City of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro
• Intensity III (weak): Quezon City; Batangas City, Batangas
• Intensity I (slightly perceptible): Lucban, Quezon

Felt intensities were reported in the following areas:

• Intensity V (strong): Lubang, Occidental Mindoro; Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
• Intensity IV (moderately strong): City of Makati; Quezon City; City of Taguig; City of Malolos, City of Meycauayan, Obando, and Plaridel, Bulacan; Floridablanca, Pampanga; San Jose, Batangas; City of Tagaytay, Cavite;
• Intensity III (weak): City of Caloocan; City of Pasig; Cuenca,and Talisay, Batangas; City of Bacoor, and City of General Trias, Cavite; Rodriguez, Rizal; Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro
• Intensity II (slightly felt): City of Marikina; City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan; Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija; Lucban, Quezon; San Mateo, Rizal; Odiongan, Romblon
• Intensity I (scarcely perceptible): City of San Fernando, Pampanga; City of San Pedro, Laguna; Mauban, Quezon

The felt intensity, as reported by people through the Phivolcs Earthquake Intensity Scale, reflects the actual ground shaking experienced, whereas the instrumental intensity is determined by measurements from intensity meters located in and around the epicentral area.

The Philippines sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where tectonic plates collide, causing frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.

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