Intensity 5 quake jolts Iligan City; none hurt

An Intensity 5 tectonic earthquake jolted Iligan City at exactly 10:11 a.m. yesterday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Phivolcs said the quake, which registered a Magnitude 5.4 on the Richter Scale, was triggered by movement of the northern extension of the Mindanao Fault. Its epicenter was located at 53 kilometers south 50 degrees west of Marawi City.

The tremor was felt at varying intensities in many parts of Mindanao: At Intensity 4 in the cities of Cotabato, Dipolog and Pagadian; at Intensity 3 in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga, and in Sibulan, Negros Oriental; at Intensity 2 in the cities of Kidapawan and Davao, Tagbilaran in Bohol, Lapu-Lapu in Cebu, Bais in Negros Oriental and Siquijor Island; and at Intensity 1 in Hibok-Hibok, Camiguin.

While the tremor was not expected to cause any damage, Phivolcs said aftershocks will follow the 10:11 a.m. event.

The quake caused pandemonium in a computer school which is housed at the six-storey Marietta Tower along Quezon Avenue, Iligan City.

Sr. Supt. Rogelio Nuñeza said no casualties were reported.

Bank clients and office personnel immediately rushed outside their building when the quake disrupted their work, witnesses said.– Felix delos Santos, Lino dela Cruz