Magnitude-5.3 quake rocks Bicol - Phivolcs

A magnitude-5.3 quake rocked parts of Bicol Thursday morning, but state seismologists said no damage to property is expected from the quake they branded as "moderate." Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) head Renato Solidum Jr. said the quake occurred at the Philippine Sea, some 148 kilometers east of Catanduanes province. "Maayos-ayos ang gusali, pag ganyang intensity wala tayong maasahang pagsira ng bahay (We expect the structures in the area to be well-built, so we do not expect damage to property)," Solidum said in an interview on dzBB radio. He said the quake, caused by movement at the Philippine Trench, was recorded at 10:02 a.m. and was felt at Intensity IV in Legazpi City and Camalig and Bacacay towns in Albay. It was felt at Intensity III in Viga and Virac towns in Catanduanes, he added. The United States Geological Survey said the quake was recorded at magnitude-5.4, with the epicenter traced to 140 km east southeast of Pandan, Catanduanes; 180 km east northeast of Legazpi City; 185 km north northeast of Calbayog, Samar; or 490 km east southeast of Manila. - RSJ, GMANews.TV