Magnitude 6.2 quake hits off Catanduanes
A MAGNITUDE 6.2 earthquake on Tuesday night hit the waters off Catanduanes province, prompting the issuance of a tsunami warning.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the epicenter of the quake was 120 kms. southeast of Gigmoto town.
The quake, which was tectonic in origin, occurred at 8:54 p.m. on Tuesday.
Intensity 4 was recorded in Virac, Catanduanes while intensity 3 in Prieto Diaz and Sorsogon City in Sorsogon; San Policarpo in Eastern Samar; Allen, Biri, Bobon, Catarman, Laoang, Lavezares, Rosario, San Jose, and San Roque in Northern Samar; Calbiga and Catbalogan City in Samar.
Intensity 2 was felt in Malinao and Tabaco City in Albay; Borongan City in Eastern Samar; Babatngon, Dagami, Dulag, Palo, Santa Fe, Tanauan, Tacloban City in Leyte; San Antonio in Northern Samar.
State seismologists warned that damage and aftershocks are expected.
Phivolcs earlier recorded the tremor at magnitude 6.6. In an advisory posted past 11 p.m. of the same day, the intensity was downgraded to 6.2.
Following the quake, the agency advised the public to be on alert for unusual waves.
People were told to stay away from the beach and the coast of Catanduanes, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar.
Early yesterday morning, state seismologists lifted the tsunami advisory, saying no significant sea level disturbances were recorded following the quake.
