MANILA, May 15 (PNA) — A 6.3 magnitude earthquake rocked parts of Negros Occidental on Thursday afternoon , according to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS).
In its bulletin, Phivolcs said the tremor occurred at 6:16 p.m. with its epicenter traced 49 kilometers southwest of Hinoba-an in Negros Occidental wherein Intensity 5 was also felt in the area.
The agency said the quake was felt at Intensity 4 in Iloilo City; Bago City; Pandan, Antique; and Basay and Sipalay in Negros Occidental;
The temblor, which was tectonic in origin, has a shallow depth of 10 kilometers.
Phivolcs said there was no casualty or damage reported but aftershocks are expected from the quake.
The Office of Civil Defense in Iloilo has advised the public to continue being on alert because of aftershocks after the strong earthquake, although no infrastructure damage is initially seen.
The magnitude 6.3 earthquake of tectonic origin drove students and hotel guests outside buildings here at around 6:16 p.m. today, Thursday.
The temblor has a location West of Hinobaan, Negros Occidental but affected Iloilo city with intensity 4 just like Bago City; Pandan, Antique; Basay; and Sipalay, Negros Occidental.
Occupants rushed outside of the buildings and stayed on the streets for a few minutes before going back inside.
Schools that were having evening classes sent out their students early.
Phivolcs is expecting aftershocks but not major destruction from the magnitude 6.3 earthquake that struck Thursday evening (May 15) in waters off Negros Occidental province.
“We’re not expecting significant damage from that quake,” said Phivolcs Director Dr. Renato Solidum.
The Richter scale classifies magnitude 6 to 7 earthquakes as “strong” with local damages near epicenters of these tremors.
Phivolcs reported the 6:16 p.m. quake in Negros Occidental struck 49 kilometers south 69° west of Hinoba-an municipality.
According to Phivolcs, the quake was felt at intensity V in Hinoba-an.
People in Iloilo City; Bago City; Pandan, Antique province; Basay and Sipalay, Negros Occidental province felt the quake at intensity IV, Phivolcs also reported.
Phivolcs noted intensity V is “strong” and generally felt by most people indoors and outdoors.
The agency also said strong shaking and rocking is felt throughout buildings, hanging objects swing violently and shaking of leaves and twigs of trees are noticeable.
Intensity IV is “moderately strong” and generally felt by people indoors and by some persons outdoors, Phivolcs further said.
Vibration is felt like a passing of heavy truck while hanging objects swing considerably and rumbling sound may be heard sometimes, added Phivolcs. (reports from Philippine News Agency)
