Ilocos Norte hit by magnitude 5.6 quake

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake located 48 kilometers northwest of Burgos, Ilocos Norte, was recorded at 10:56 a.m. on Monday by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), which said it was expecting aftershocks and damage as a result.

Intensity 5, according to reported intensities, was felt in the towns of Sinait and Cabugao in Ilocos Sur as well as Sarrat in Ilocos Norte, while Intensity 4 was felt in Claveria, Cagayan, and Tubo, Abra. Intensity 3 was reported in Lacub, Abra, while Intensity 2 was recorded in Aparri and Lasam in Cagayan.

Instrumental intensities

Based on instrumental intensities, Phivolcs also recorded Intensity 5 in San Nicholas, Ilocos Norte; Intensity 4 in Sinait and Vigan City, Ilocos Sur; Intensity 3 in Gonzaga, Cagayan; Intensity 2 in Penablanca, Cagayan, Bangued, Abra, and Bontoc, Mountain Province; and Intensity 1 in Candon and Narvacan, both in Ilocos Sur.

READ: Magnitude 5.8 earthquake jolts Ilocos Norte

Reported intensities are measured based on an earthquake’s damage to property and its effect on people, while instrumental intensities are measured by an intensity scale.

According to Phivolcs’ Earthquake Intensity Scale, Intensity 5 indicates that shaking from the earthquake was “strong” and was “generally felt by most people indoors and outdoors.” Intensity 4, on the other hand, means the shaking was “moderately strong” while Intensity 3 means a “weak” shaking.

As of 3 p.m. on Monday, Phivolcs said it had recorded six aftershocks ranging from magnitudes 1.6 to 3.1. INQ