MANILA, Philippines - A strong earthquake measuring 6.1-magnitude on the Richter scale shook parts of Northern Luzon Sunday afternoon, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The shallow earthquake, which was tectonic in origin, has its epicenter located 122 kilometers northeast of Laoag City.
The tremor was felt at 4:26 p.m. yesterday.
Shallow earthquakes most often cause more damage to structures, similar to the damage triggered by a 6.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Christchurch, New Zealand last Feb. 22, and a 9.0-magnitude quake in Japan last March 11.
Phivolcs recorded Intensity V in Pasuquin and Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte; Intensity IV in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, and Calayan Island; Intensity III in Basco (Batanes) Sinait (Ilocos Norte), Gonzaga and Calamaniogan (Cagayan); and Manila City; and Intensity II in Baguio City.
Based on the Richter Magnitude Scale used by Phivolcs, magnitude 6.0 to 7.0 earthquakes are considered "strong" and are accompanied by local damages near the epicenters.
However, no damage to property or loss of lives was reported by Phivolcs in this particular incident.
While no tsunami alert was issued, Phivolcs said aftershocks are expected due to the earthquake.
Ellalyn de Vera, Manila Bulletin
