5.7 quake jolts Visayas, Mindanao areas

Screengrab from https://earthquake.usgs.gov

MANILA, Philippines―A 5.7 magnitude earthquake shook several areas in Visayas and Mindanao at 4:05 p.m. Friday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.

There were no immediate reports of injury from the quake that centered five kilometers southeast of Culasi town, in the province of Antique.

It occurred at a shallow depth of 14 kilometers.

The tremor was felt in the following areas:

Intensity VI – Culasi, Antique

Intensity V – Kalibo, Aklan; Sebaste,Pandan, Lauan and Libertad, Antique

Intensity IV- San Jose, Sibalom, Dao, Anini-y, Hamtic and San Remigio, Antique;

Odiongan, Romblon

Intensity III – La Carlota City; Roxas City; Ilo-ilo City; Bacolod City;

Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental

Intensity II – Cebu City; Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental; Cuyo, Palawan

Intensity I – Zamboanga City; Masbate City; Dumaguete City

Phivolcs said damage was expected from the quake. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Manila said it has yet to receive reports from the field.

The Intensity VI felt in Culasi was considered “very strong” and could cause frightened people to run outdoors.

“Some people lose their balance, motorists feel like driving in flat tires,” said Phivolcs. “Very old or poorly built houses and man-made structures are slightly damaged though well-built structures are not affected. Limited rockfalls and rolling boulders occur in hilly to mountainous areas and escarpments.”

Earthquakes with a magnitude of 5 up to 6 are considered of “moderate strength” and are felt over wide areas.

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

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