Aftershocks expected as magnitude 5.6 quake jolts Ilocos Norte

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED 12:06 p.m.) — A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck the waters off the coast of Burgos, Ilocos Norte this morning, December 30, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

According to Phivolcs' latest bulletin issued around 11:30 a.m., the earthquake's epicenter was recorded approximately 48 kilometers northwest of Burgos, Ilocos Norte at 10:56 a.m. An initial bulletin had identified Bangui as the epicenter. 

The tremor was tectonic in origin, indicating movement along fault lines in the area. The seismic event occurred at a depth of 15 kilometers.

According to Phivolcs, strong ground shaking (Intensity V) was felt in Sinait and Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, and Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. Moderately strong shaking (Intensity IV) was experienced in Claveria, Cagayan and Tubo, Abra. Weak shaking (Intensity III) was reported in Lacub, Abra, while slight shaking (Intensity II) was felt in Aparri and Lasam, Cagayan.

Instrumental intensities were also recorded:

• Intensity V: San Nicholas, Ilocos Norte
• Intensity IV: Sinait and Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
• Intensity III: Gonzaga, Cagayan
• Intensity II: Penablanca, Cagayan; Bangued, Abra; Bontoc, Mountain Province
• Intensity I (scarcely perceptible): Candon and Narvacan, Ilocos Sur

Phivolcs has warned that aftershocks and damage are expected following the earthquake.

However, as of Monday noon, no damage had been reported. The earthquake prompted management at buildings such as Robinsons Mall in San Nicolas town, near Laoag City, to evacuate mall-goers temporarily while building inspections were carried out. — With reports from Artemio Dumlao