Strong quake rocks Batanes

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya , Philippines  – A 6.9 magnitude earthquake jolted parts of the island province of Batanes yesterday morning, reports said.

The earthquake, reports said, happened at 10:59 a.m. with its epicenter traced off Sabtang Island or about 270 kms or southeast off Basco, the capital town of Batanes, the country’s northernmost province.

According to Batanes police director Senior Superintendent Rolando Asuncion, despite its magnitude, the earthquake was only slightly felt on Batan, the tiny province’s main island where Basco and three more of Batanes’ six towns are located. 

Reports also indicated that no untoward incidents happened from the tremor.

Located about 10 kms below the surface, the earthquake was also reportedly felt in some parts of Taiwan with its epicenter about 269 km east of Taitung City.