MANILA, PHILIPPINES — A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck the province of Catanduanes on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

The earthquake occurred at 8:54 pm local time, with its epicenter offshore in the town of Gigmoto. The initial report from Phivolcs stated that the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.6, but this was later adjusted to a magnitude of 6.2.

Phivolcs reported that the earthquake was tectonic in origin and had a depth of 72 kilometers. The location of the earthquake was 150 kilometers north and 85 degrees east of Gigmoto in Catanduanes, with a latitude of 13.90°N and a longitude of 125.77°E.

Residents in the affected areas reported feeling strong shaking, but there were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage. However, local authorities immediately conducted inspections of buildings and other infrastructure to assess any potential damage caused by the earthquake.

The following areas recorded felt intensities:

• Intensity IV – Virac in Catanduanes
• Intensity III – 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 II – 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
• Intensity I – Alangalang, Baybay City, and Tabontabon in Leyte

These areas also reported instrumental intensities:

• Intensity II – Legazpi City in Albay; Daet in Camarines Norte; Sipocot, Iriga City, and Pili in Camarines Sur; Kananga, Dulag, and Abuyog in Leyte; San Roque in Northern Samar; Bulusan and Prieto Diaz in Sorsogon
• Intensity I – Ragay and Pasacao in Camarines Sur; Quinapondan in Eastern Samar; Palo and Alangalang in Leyte; Monreal, Uson, Masbate; Gumaca, Polillo, Mauban, and Guinayangan in Quezon; Donsol in Sorsogon

Phivolcs reminded the public to remain vigilant and to expect aftershocks following the earthquake. The public is advised to stay tuned for further developments and to follow the guidelines of local authorities.  – WhatALife!/Jayve

Sources: (1), (2)

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