A strong earthquake measuring 5.4 in magnitude shook Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte at five minutes past lunch hour Wednesday, triggering aftershocks and damage to properties, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has reported.
Phivolcs said the quake was of tectonic origin and had a depth of 30 kilometers. The epicenter was located 15 kilometers northwest of Pagudpud, one of the popular tourist destinations in the province.
The state seismic agency initially reported the quake at magnitude at 5.9, but later lowered it to 5.4. Intensity was strongly felt in the towns of Adams, Baccara, Bangui, Burgos, Dingras, Dumalneg, Laoag City, Pagudpud, Pasuquin, Sarrat and Vintar in Ilocos Norte, as well as Lacub in Abra.It was also felt in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur; Ilagan City, Isabela and Peñablanca, Cagayan. Phivolcs also noted intensities in Sinait and Vigan City, Ilocos Sur; Claveria and Gonzaga in Cagayan; and Solsona, Ilocos Norte.