Phivolcs records 4 mild quakes

MANILA, Philippines - Four mild earthquakes rocked some parts of the country yesterday but did not cause any damage or injury, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said a magnitude 3.6 quake occurred at around 2:30 a.m. with its epicenter traced some six kilometers northwest of Viga, Catanduanes. It was felt at Intensity 2 in Viga.

Another quake with magnitude 4.2 happened at around 6:01 a.m. and its epicenter was located at 11 kms southeast of Sta. Cuz, Zambales. It was felt at Intensity 3 in Infanta, Pangasinan.

Early yesterday, two mild tremors also hit parts of Mindanao, Phivolcs said.

A magnitude 4.6 struck at around 12:37 a.m. and was centered at 228 kms southeast of General Santos City. Hours later, a magnitude 4.3 tremor occurred with its epicenter traced at 34 kms southeast of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

Phivolcs did not report any intensities due to these earthquakes.

Solidum said the frequent occurrence of earthquakes in the country is normal because of its geographical location.

He said the quakes in the country were not related to the earthquakes in other countries, particularly Japan.

The Philippines and Japan are located along the so-called Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where continental plates collide, causing frequent seismic and volcanic activities.

Solidum said some 20 quakes hit the Philippines every day but only a few are felt.