Earthquake in the Philippines, July 26, 2011: 5.9-magnitude quake jolts Luzon

Earthquake in the Philippines, July 26, 2011: 5.9-magnitude quake jolts Luzon

An earthquake has struck Luzon, Philippines, early morning on Tuesday. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the magnitude 5.9 (first reported to be 6.2) temblor was recorded off 35km Southwest of Iba, Zambales at 1:15 a.m. and was felt in other areas in Luzon including in the Philippine capital, Manila.

The red dot locates the epicenter of the July 26, 2011 Philippine earthquake | Courtesy of Phivolcs

The tectonic quake has a depth of 30km and was felt in the following areas at the following intensities:

Intensity IV - Clark, Pampanga; Obando, Bulacan; Quezon City; Manila; Alabang, Muntinlupa; and Bacoor, Cavite

Intensity III - Makati; Pasig; Taguig; Mandaluyong; Tagaytay; and Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

Intensity II - Baguio City

There were no initial reports of injuries or damage to property.

Meanwhile, three (3) aftershocks were recorded within 3 hours after the first quake hit. The largest was a 4.0-magnitude which occurred at 3:10 a.m. The other two measured Richter Scale readings of 3.9 and 2.8 which hit Iba, Zambales at 2:12 a.m. and 3:34 a.m respectively.

The Philippines lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire where earthquakes often occur.

Here are Philvolcs descriptions of the Earthquake Intesities above:

Intensity II (Slightly Felt) - Felt by few individuals at rest indoors. Hanging objects swing slightly. Still Water in containers oscillates noticeably.

Intensity III (Weak) - Felt by many people indoors especially in upper floors of buildings. Vibration is felt like one passing of a light truck. Dizziness and nausea are experienced by some people. Hanging objects swing moderately. Still water in containers oscillates moderately.

Intensity IV (Moderately Strong) - Felt generally by people indoors and by some people outdoors. Light sleepers are awakened. Vibration is felt like a passing of heavy truck. Hanging objects swing considerably. Dinner, plates, glasses, windows and doors rattle. Floors and walls of wood framed buildings creak. Standing motor cars may rock slightly. Liquids in containers are slightly disturbed. Water in containers oscillate strongly. Rumbling sound may sometimes be heard.