The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) confirmed that a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck Ilocos Sur on Tuesday morning, April 21, 2014. The quake was located at 70 kilometers southwest of Vigan City at aroun 4:45 AM.
Phivolcs released the following intensities:
- Intensity IV (moderately strong) – Vigan, Sinait, Paoay, Cadugao, San Juan, Macsingal, Sto. Domingo, San Il de Fonso, Bantay, Cauayan, Sta Catalina, Santa and Batac, Ilocos Sur
- Intensity III (weak) – Narvacan, Sta. Maria, Burgos, San Esteban, Ilocos Sur
- Intensity I (scarcely perceptible) – Pasay City
According to Phivolcs Intensity IV is “felt generally by people indoors and by some people outdoors. Light sleepers are awakened. Vibration is felt like a p(–foul word(s) removed–)ing of heavy rocks. Hanging objects swing considerably. Dinner, plates, windows and doors rattle.”
The government agency noted that the 5.9 Ilocos earthquake was tectonic in origin and it struck at a depth of 15 kilometers. Phivolcs added further that the quake is not expected to produce damage or aftershocks.
According to preliminary reports from the local government units affected there is no immediate damage reported as of press time. We will continue to monitor for any incident that resulted from the Ilocos earthquake and we will post an update here.