Magnitude 5.4 earthquake hits Ilocos Norte town

The Phivolcs said the tectonic earthquake, which occurred 30 kilometers off the town at 12:05 p.m., had a depth of focus of 30 kilometers.

MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck off Pagudpud town in Ilocos Norte on Wednesday afternoon, according to state seismologists.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the tectonic earthquake, which occurred 30 kilometers off the town at 12:05 p.m., had a depth of focus of 30 kilometers.

READ: Magnitude 5.1 earthquake rocks Ilocos Sur

Phivolcs said aftershocks and damages are expected after the earthquake.

The following areas reported felt intensities:

• Intensity V (strong) – Adams, Bacarra, Bangui, Burgos, Dingras, Dumalneg, City of Laoag, Pagudpud, Pasuquin, Sarrat, and Vintar in Ilocos Norte; Lacub, Abra
• Intensity IV (moderately strong) – Magsingal, Ilocos Sur
• Intensity III (weak) – City of Ilagan, Isabela
• Intensity II (slightly felt) – Peñablanca, Cagayan

These areas recorded instrumental intensities:

• Intensity VI (very strong) – Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte
• Intensity V (strong) – City of Laoag,  Ilocos Norte
• Intensity IV (moderately strong) – Sinait, and City of Vigan,  Ilocos Sur; Claveria, Cagayan
• Intensity III (weak) – Gonzaga, Cagayan; City of Ilagan, Isabela
• Intensity II (slightly felt) – Solsona, Ilocos Norte; Peñablanca, Cagayan

Felt intensity is the ground shaking actually felt and reported by the people through the Phivolcs Earthquake Intensity Scale, while instrumental intensity was indicated by the ground shaking intensity measured by the intensity meters 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.