5.9 quake jolts Ilocos provinces

MANILA, Philippines - An earthquake measuring magnitude 5.9 rocked the Ilocos provinces yesterday but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, state seismologists said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the tremor occurred at 4:45 a.m. with its epicenter traced at 70 kilometers southwest of Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

It was reportedly felt at Intensity 4 in Vigan, Sinait, Cadugao, San Juan, Macsingal, Sto. Domingo, San Ildefonso, Bantay, Cauayan, Sta. Catalina, and Santa, all in Ilocos Sur; and Batac and Paoay in Ilocos Norte.

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

The tremor was also felt at Intensity 3 (weak) in Narvacan, Sta. Maria, Burgos, and San Esteban, in Ilocos Sur; Intensity 2 in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte; and Intensity 1 in Pasay City. Phivolcs warned residents near the quake’s epicenter of possible aftershocks.