No reason to panic as Batanes continues to be rattled by moderate quakes -Solidum
March 9, 2010 12:22 pm
By Mediatrix P. Cristobal
MANILA, March 9 — Twin predawn earthquakes rocked Batanes Islands Tuesday, after a series of temblors struck northern Philippines in the past weeks.
Renator Solidum, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, said the first tremor occurred 1:22 a.m., measuring 5.1 in magnitude.
The 11-kilometer deep shaker was traced 35 kilometers southeast of capital town, Basco. Intensity 5 was felt in Uyugan town, while intensity 4 was reported in Basco and Sabtang towns.
Intensity 5 is considered moderately strong and can be felt by most people indoors and outdoors; it can awaken people who are asleep and may cause panic and some run outdoors.
People may feel strong shaking and rocking throughout houses or buildings; hanging objects may swing violently, small, light and unstable objects may also fall or overturn; standing vehicles may rock noticeably.
The second quake, which occurred 1:40 a.m. was recorded at magnitude 4.8, centered 31 kilometers southeast of Basco.
Residents said intensity 3 was felt in Basco, Sabtang and Uyugan towns.
Solidum said no damage was reported.
Last March 5, a magnitude 5 quake jolted Batanes, preceded by three moderate quakes also within the same week.
Solidum said an average of 20 quakes happen within 24 hours in various places in the country, some are just weak and insignificant to cause damage.
He also said while there are no technologies to predict imminent earthquakes even with frequent occurrences in one place, it is best to always be informed and especially be prepared.
"Strong earthquakes are always possible in the country," he said.
The Philippines sits along the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire where frequent seismic activity results from collisions between tectonic plates. (PNA)
LDV/MPC
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