Magnitude 6 quake jolts Batanes

MANILA, Philippines - A magnitude 6 earthquake rocked parts of Batanes Friday night, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported yesterday.

The earthquake was felt at Intensity 4 in Uyugan town, Intensity 3 in Ivana and Sabtang, Intensity 2 in Basco and Mahatao, and Intensity 1 in Itbayat, all in Batanes.

Reports said the temblor, which was tectonic in origin, was simultaneously felt in Laoag City and in Burgos town, both in Ilocos Sur, at Intensity 3 and 2, respectively.

The temblor, the strongest to hit northern Luzon this year, was recorded at 7:33 p.m., some 42 kilometers southeast of Uyugan.

Phivolcs described an Intensity 4 quake to be moderately strong can be felt indoors and outdoors, and can awaken light sleepers. The vibration could be compared to the shaking created by the passing of a heavy truck.

Phivolcs said they expect the quake to bring aftershocks but not damage to properties.

Less than an hour later, a second tremor was recorded 37 kilometers southeast of Uyugan.

The 2.8 magnitude quake, which was tectonic in origin, was recorded at 8:21 p.m.