5.7 magnitude quake rocks North Luzon

MANILA, Philippines - A moderate 5.7 magnitude earthquake rocked parts of Northern Luzon yesterday but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, state seismologists said.

Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), said the tremor struck at 3:58 a.m. and its epicenter was traced some 29 kilometers northeast of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

Solidum said the quake was strongly felt at Intensity 5 in the towns of Pasuquin, Burgos, Laoag, Sarrat and Batac in Ilocos Norte.

Based on the Phivolcs’ Earthquake Intensity Scale, an Intensity 5 quake “is generally felt by most people indoors and outdoors. Many sleeping people are awakened. Strong shaking and rocking was felt throughout the buildings.”

Solidum said there was no danger of tsunami as the quake occurred on land.

The temblor was also felt at Intensity 4 by residents living in Sinait, Ilocos Sur; Buguey, Cagayan and Lubuangan, Kalinga Apayao; while Intensity 3 was experienced in Peñablanca, Sta. Ana and Tuguegarao, Cagayan.

It was slightly felt at Intensity 2 in Santa and Vigan towns in Ilocos Sur and Baguio City.

Solidum said the 5.7 magnitude quake in Ilocos Norte generated an aftershock at 7:01 a.m. yesterday.

He said a magnitude 3.2 tremor hit some 39 kms. northeast of Laoag City.

The aftershock, which had a depth of 12 kms. was felt at Intensity 2 in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte.   – With Artemio Dumlao