5.3-magnitude earthquake jolts Surigao del Norte

MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 5.3 earthquake occurred off Surigao del Norte and was felt in nearby areas on Thursday afternoon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

The quake happened at about 3:18 p.m., some 24 kilometers northeast of Burgos, Surigao del Norte, with a depth of 26 km.

The tectonic quake was felt at Intensity III over Surigao City and Rosario, Agusan del Sur.

Instrumental Intensity III was likewise felt over Surigao City while Instrumental Intensity II was registered over Borongan City, Eastern Samar and Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

Meanwhile, Catbalogan, Samar felt an Instrumental Intensity I.

The tremor was not expected to cause major damage but it may spawn aftershocks, Phivolcs said.

EDV