LAOAG CITY (July 15) – A magnitude 5.5 tectonic earthquake struck Ilocos Norte on Tuesday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.
The quake hit 21 km west of Pasuquin at 10:38 a.m., with a depth of 43 km.
Reported intensities:
- Intensity V: Bacarra, Laoag City, Pasuquin, Vintar (Ilocos Norte); Cabugao, Sinait, Vigan City (Ilocos Sur)
- Intensity IV: Batac, Paoay, San Nicolas (Ilocos Norte); several towns in Ilocos Sur
- Intensity III: Parts of Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, and Ilocos Sur
- Intensity II-I: Other areas in Ilocos Sur and nearby provinces
Instrumental measurements also recorded Intensity V in Bacarra and Intensity IV in parts of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Cagayan.
No damage is expected, but residents are advised to remain alert for possible aftershocks.