Early morning tremors hit Mindoro, felt in Metro Manila areas

Two moderately strong earthquakes were recorded in Mindoro early morning Thursday that were also felt in Metro Manila.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded 2:04 a.m. a quake with Magnitude 5.3. The epicenter of the quake was located 42 kilometers northwest of Mamburao in Occidental Mindoro.

PHIVOLCS said the tremor was tectonic in origin and had a depth of 94 kilometers.

It reported that the quake was felt at Intensity 4 in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro; Intensity 3 in Puerto Galera and Intensity 2 in Tagaytay, Makati City and Quezon City.

US Geological Survey meanwhile recorded a successive Magnitude 5.1 quake more than two minutes after with the epicenter located near the first one.

No damage due to the quakes have been reported as of posting.

Saturday quakes

PHIVOLCS said that two earthquakes rocked Southern Luzon provinces before noon Saturday.

PHIVOLCS Director Renato Solidum said the first earthquake Saturday, which measured magnitude 5.3, was felt around 11:04 a.m.. It was followed five minutes later by a stronger quake at magnitude 6.5.

Solidum said the earthquake Saturday was strongest in Mindoro province, particularly Calapan and Lubang Island at intensity 5. In Puerto Galera, it was intensity 4.

Based on the Richter magnitude scale, "earthquakes with a magnitude of 5 to 6 are "earthquakes with moderate strength" and are felt over the wide areas" and "some of them cause small local damages near the epicenter."

PHIVOLCS ' Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS) describes intensity 2, 3, 4, and 5 as follows:

2 - A few people might notice movement if they are at rest and/or on the upper floors of tall buildings.

3 - 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.

4 - 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.

5 Strong: Generally felt by most people indoors and outdoors. Many sleeping people are awakened. Some are frightened, some run outdoors. Strong shaking and rocking felt throughout building. Hanging objects swing violently. Dining utensils clatter and clink; some are broken. Small, light and unstable objects may fall or overturn. Liquids spill from filled open containers. Standing vehicles rock noticeably. Shaking of leaves and twigs of trees are noticeable.

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