West Valley Fault

A magnitude 6.5 earthquake just hit the province of Masbate this morning at 8:03 a.m. It was traced to be 5 kilometers southwest of Cataingan, Masbate.

The quake was tectonic in origin and caused some damage on several houses made of light materials in the nearby town of Palanas. The quake was felt on almost the entirety of Central Luzon as the depth of the tremor was merely 1 kilometer.

The following intensities have been recorded:

Intensity IV – Mapanas, Northern Samar; Legazpi City, Albay; and Lezo, Aklan.

Intensity III – City of Iloilo, while intensity I was recorded in President Roxas, Capiz.

The following instrumental intensities have been reported as well:

• Intensity V – Masbate City, Masbate
• Intensity IV – Palo, Leyte; City of Iloilo; City of Roxas, Capiz; Naval, Biliran;
• Intensity III – City of Bago, Negros Occidental; Malinao, Aklan; Jamindan, Capiz; Ormoc City
• Intensity II – Gumaca, Quezon; City of Sipalay, Negros Occidental; Valderrama, Antique; Sipocot, Camarines Sur; Talibon, Bohol; San Francisco, Cebu
• Intensity I – Malay, Aklan; City of Gingoog, Misamis Oriental

Residents have been advised to be aware of possible aftershocks.

OCD Region 5 has started assessing the extent of the damages.

Sources: Phivolcs/MBNews/Inquirer.net