5.4 quake hits parts of N. Luzon

MANILA, Philippines - An earthquake measuring magnitude 5.4 rocked parts of Northern Luzon yesterday morning, but did not cause any damage or injuries, state seismologists said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded the tremor at 10:24 a.m. and it was centered 30 kilometers southwest of Laoag City in Ilocos Norte. 

It was felt at Intensity 4 in Bangued, Abra and Narvacan, Ilocos Sur; and Intensity 3 in Sinait, Santo Domingo, Magsingal, San Idelfonso, Bantay, Santa, Caoayan, Vigan, Santa Catalina, and San Vicente, all in Ilocos Sur; Callao and Peñablanca in Cagayan; and Laoag City; and Intensity 2 in Bucay, Abra. 

Phivolcs said the tremor, which had a depth of nine kilometers and was tectonic in origin, is expected to generate aftershocks. 

Tectonic tremors are earthquakes produced by the sudden movement along faults and plate boundaries, Phivolcs said. – Helen Flores, Charlie Lagasca