Quakes hit parts of Negros, Batangas

MANILA, Philippines - Earthquakes of magnitudes 3.9 and 2.3 yesterday rattled parts of Negros and Batangas, respectively, state seismologists said. 

The quakes, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), however, did not cause any damage or injuries. 

The magnitude 3.9 tremor occurred at 9:33 a.m. and was centered 21 kilometers northwest of Sipalay, Negros Occidental. 

It was felt at Intensity 4 in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental; Intensity 3 in Sipalay, Negros Occidental; and Intensity 2 in Bayawan, Negros Oriental. 

Phivolcs describes an Intensity 4 quake as “moderately strong.” 

A magnitude 2.3 quake rocked parts of Batangas at 5:10 a.m. yesterday. 

The quake’s epicenter was located at eight kms south of Tingloy, Batangas. It was slightly felt at Intensity 2 in Batangas City. 

Phivolcs also recorded yesterday tremors of magnitudes 1.7, 3.2 and 3.3 in Borongan, Eastern Samar; Sipalay, Negros Occidental; and Burgos, Surigao del Norte, respectively. But the agency said these were “unfelt.”

Phivolcs defines intensity as the strength of seismic shaking while magnitude is the measurement of energy released by an earthquake.  

The Philippines lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc of fault lines circling the Pacific Basin that is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. 

About 20 quakes hit the country every day but only a few are felt, Phivolcs said.