A magnitude 5.4 earthquake jolted several parts of Batanes on Sunday, August 13, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST) reported.
According to PHILVOCS, the quake’s epicenter was located 42 kilometers north and 71 degrees west of Sabtang town where it was felt at Intensity 5.
Meanwhile, Intensity 4 was felt in nearby Basco, Ivana, Mahatao, and Uyugan towns, and Intensity 3 in Itbayat.
Instrumental Intensity 1 was felt in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte.
The state seismologists identified the quake as tectonic in origin.
Chief Roldon Esdicul of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in Batanes said no casualties or property damage were reported, but aftershocks were expected.
Although Batanes had previously suffered earthquakes, Esdicul claimed that yesterday's tremor was the strongest so far.
