Phivolcs: 5.4 quake rocks south luzon, aftershocks possible

MANILA, Philippines – A quake of magnitude 5.4 rocked Mindoro in Southern Luzon at past 12 noon Friday, December 23, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

No damages or casualties were reported as a result of the earthquake that was felt at 12:27 pm.

The epicenter, according to Phivolcs, was located about 31 kilometers of Mamburao in Occidental Mindoro.

A quake of intensity 4 is regarded as “moderately strong.” Intensity 3 is “weak,” while intensity 2 is “slightly felt.” 

Phivolcs said the quake was felt in the following areas:

– Intensity 4: Calapan City; Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro; Paluan, Occidental Mindoro; Batangas City; 

– Intensity 3: Marinduque; Pasig City

– Intensity 2: Lucban, Quezon; Pasay City; Quezon City

Phivolcs head Renato Solidum Jr. said in an interview over dzBB that the initial tremor felt in Mindoro can be considered moderately strong. As such, it is unlikely to cause damage or trigger a tsunami.

For its part, the United States Geological Survey said the quake, which it initially recorded at magnitude 5.3, was recorded at 12:27 p.m.

It also said the epicenter was in the Mindoro area, with the epicenter likewise traced to Mindoro.

The quake occurred just days after a devastating tropical storm, Sendong, hit Northern Mindanao and left over 1,000 dead. Occurring close to Christmas, the quake could be a holiday spoiler. – Rappler.com