Magnitude 5.3 quake jolts Albay

MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck Albay on Friday night, with intensities felt in nearby areas, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Phivolcs said the quake occurred at 9:57 p.m., with its epicenter located 15 kilometers south of Sto. Domingo town.

Mayor Bong Banda said that damage assessments were conducted in affected areas, particularly in ports where projects and soil protection structures of the Department of Public Works and Highways are being constructed.

The villages of Buhatan and Alimsog have been assessed to determine the extent of damage caused by the quake.

The municipal disaster risk reduction and management office (MDRRMO) said the quake triggered a rock slide in Barangay Buhatan, although roads leading to the area remained passable.

“Motorists have been advised to be cautious and look out for rolling debris when passing through the area,” MDRRMO chief Mart Ian Siapno said.

The quake was felt at Intensity 5 in Sto. Domingo and Legazpi in Albay, and Bulusan in Sorsogon.

Intensity 4 was felt in Ligao, Malilipot and Tabaco in Albay as well as in Donsol and Irosin in Sorsogon.

Intensity 3 was recorded in Naga City in Camarines Sur and Malinao in Albay as well as in Sorsogon City, Prieto Diaz and Juban in Sorsogon.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health stressed the importance of earthquake preparedness to ensure public safety.

Health officials urged residents to remain alert and heed official advisories as temblors can generate aftershocks and cause damage to property.