A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck off northern Cagayan early Thursday, May 14, with shaking felt across several areas in Cagayan, Ilocos Norte and nearby provinces, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
In its Earthquake Information No. 3, PHIVOLCS said the tremor occurred at 6:01 am and was traced to a depth of 42 kilometers. Its epicenter was located at about 34 kilometers north 19 degrees west of Dalupiri Island in Calayan, Cagayan.
The quake’s epicenter was apparently north of mainland Luzon, near the Babuyan Islands. The surrounding map also indicates nearby land features, fault traces and offshore trenches, including the Manila Trench west of Luzon and the East Luzon Trough to the east.
PHIVOLCS reported the strongest shaking at Intensity V in Calayan, Cagayan, where the earthquake was likely felt strongly by residents.
Intensity IV was reported in Bangui, Burgos, Pagudpud and Pasuquin in Ilocos Norte, as well as in Pamplona, Sanchez-Mira and Santa Praxedes in Cagayan.
Intensity III was felt in Laoag City, Bacarra and San Nicolas in Ilocos Norte, and in Abulug, Aparri, Camalaniugan, Gattaran, Gonzaga, Lal-lo and Lasam in Cagayan.
Weaker shaking at Intensity II was recorded in Batac City, Piddig, Pinili and Sarrat in Ilocos Norte; Sinait in Ilocos Sur; and Baggao in Cagayan.
Instrumental intensity readings showed Intensity III in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte; Intensity II in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte and Sinait, Ilocos Sur; and Intensity I in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, as well as Vigan City and Narvacan in Ilocos Sur.
There was no immediate report of damage or casualties based on the information provided by PHIVOLCS.