By Ma. Cristina Arayata and Priam Nepomuceno
MANILA – A magnitude 4.6 earthquake jolted Quezon on Tuesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
The tectonic quake struck 24 km. northwest of General Nakar at 12:17 p.m. It was 10 km. deep.
Intensity IV was felt in Makati; Manila; Marikina; City of San Pedro, Laguna; and Tanay, Rizal.
Intensity III was reported in Navotas; Quezon City; Pasay City; San Juan; Taguig; Guiguinto and City of Malolos, Bulacan; City of Palayan, Nueva Ecija; Mabalacat City, Pampanga; Angeles City; and Biñan.
Intensity II was reported in Caloocan; Mandaluyong; Parañaque; Valenzuela; Obando, Bulacan; and Cabiao, Nueva Ecija.
Phivolcs also recorded the following instrumental intensities:
Intensity IV in General Nakar, Quezon;
Intensity III in Caloocan; Malabon; Navotas; Quezon City; San Rafael, Bulacan; City of San Fernando, Pampanga; Carmona, Cavite; Infanta and Mauban, Quezon; and Angono, Rizal;
Intensity II in Las Piñas; Parañaque; Taguig; Valenzuela; Bulakan and Bustos, Bulacan; Cabanatuan, San Antonio, and San Isidro, Nueva Ecija; Guagua, Pampanga; Bamban, Tarlac; Talisay, Batangas; City of Tagaytay and City of Trece Martires in Cavite; City of San Pablo and City of San Pedro, Laguna; Alabat, Dolores, and Polillo, Quezon; and Tanay, Rizal; and
Intensity I in Pateros; City of San Fernando, La Union; Bolinao, Pangasinan; Dingalan, Aurora; Abucay, Bataan; Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija; City of Tarlac; Nasugbu, Batangas; City of Bacoor, Naic, and Ternate, Cavite; Guinayangan, Gumaca, and Lucban, Quezon; and Daet, Camarines Norte
Reported intensity is the traditional way of knowing the intensity based on reports of people who felt the earthquake.
Instrumental intensity, on the other hand, is measured using an intensity meter that measures ground acceleration.
Meanwhile, both aftershocks and damage are possible from the earthquake, Phivolcs said.
OCD: No damage reports yet
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD), meanwhile, said it has yet to receive reports of damage to infrastructure following the tremor.
“As of now, there have been no reports of damage to structures or infrastructure. Residents in the affected areas experienced mild tremors, with stronger shaking reported in parts of Manila, Pasay, and Marikina. Authorities confirmed that no injuries or damages have been recorded at this time,” it said in a statement.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (NDRRMOC) held an emergency meeting via video teleconferencing with OCD regional offices from the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa regions, following directives from Defense Secretary and NDRRMC chairperson Gilberto Teodoro Jr., to assess the impact of the earthquake.
“Following the guidance of OCD Administrator and NDRRMC Executive Director Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, officials discussed ongoing assessments and the safety of critical infrastructure, including dams such as IPO and Angat in Region III. All regions are actively monitoring for aftershocks and potential impacts,” it added.
Authorities urge residents to stay calm, remain vigilant, and prepare for possible aftershocks. (PNA)
