Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake Strikes Ilocos Norte, No Damage Expected

Ilocos norte: A magnitude 5.5 earthquake jolted the province of Ilocos Norte, leading to significant tremors felt across various regions. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that the tectonic earthquake occurred 21 km west of Pasuquin town at 10:38 a.m., with a depth of 43 km.

According to Philippines News Agency, the earthquake's impact was recorded at different intensities across several areas. Intensity V was experienced in Bacarra, City of Laoag, Pasuquin, and Vintar in Ilocos Norte, as well as Cabugao, Sinait, and City of Vigan in Ilocos Sur. Intensity IV was noted in City of Batac, Paoay, and San Nicolas in Ilocos Norte, along with multiple locations in Ilocos Sur. Other regions experienced the quake at lower intensities.

Phivolcs provided additional data on instrumental intensities, which are measured using intensity meters. Bacarra in Ilocos Norte experienced an instrumental Intensity V, while various other locations recorded instrumental intensities ranging from II to IV. Reported intensity is based on people's accounts, whereas instrumental intensity is derived from ground acceleration measurements.

Despite the significant tremors, Phivolcs stated that no damage is expected from the earthquake. However, residents are advised to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks.