Magnitude 6 quake strongly felt in Zambales

MANILA, Philippines - Residents of Candelaria, Zambales were awakened by a magnitude 6 earthquake early yesterday morning, but state seismologists said no damage was expected from the tremor.

Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), said the tremor occurred at around 6:18 a.m. yesterday with its epicenter traced at 80 kilometers southwest of Candelaria town where it was strongly felt at Intensity 4. 

The quake, which had a depth of four kms, was also felt at Intensity 4 in Iba, Zambales; Dagupan City, Bugallon, Villasis and Bolinao, all in Pangasinan; and Makati City; Intensity 3 in San Fernando, La Union; and Quezon City; Intensity 2 in Bacoor, Cavite and Plaridel, Bulacan; and Intensity 1 in Tagaytay City.

In an interview with GMA News TV Channel 11’s Balitanghali, Candelaria Mayor Jean Moraña said some residents went out of their houses when the tremor struck.

Phivolcs allayed fears of a tsunami, saying earthquakes of such an intensity are not capable of generating such series of waves. Phivolcs, however, said aftershocks are expected to occur in the next few days. 

Meanwhile, a magnitude-3.8 quake also hit Benguet province yesterday. 

The temblor was recorded at around 1:18 a.m. and was centered at five kms northwest of La Trinidad, Benguet. It was felt at Intensity 3 in La Trinidad and Baguio City. – With Alexis Romero