Strong tremblor jolts Ilocos Sur

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur — A magnitude 5.0 earthquake hit various towns in Ilocos Sur and areas as far as Bontoc in Mt. Province and La Union towns on Monday morning.

State-run Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said the quake struck at 9:36 a.m. at a depth of 10 kilometers. Its epicenter was located about 49 kilometers south 81 degrees west of San Esteban, Ilocos Sur.

PHIVOLCS said the earthquake was tectonic in origin.

Instrumental Intensity III was recorded in the City of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Intensity II was felt in the City of Candon in Ilocos Sur, as well as Santol in La Union and Bontoc in Mountain Province.

Intensity I was recorded in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur and Aringay, La Union.

These lower intensity levels mean the shaking was weak and felt by only a few people in some areas.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. — Artemio A. Dumlao