Magnitude-5.2 quake rocks Ilocos region

A predawn magnitude-5.2 quake rocked the Ilocos region Thursday, even as state seismologists warned of possible aftershocks. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake was recorded at 1:57 a.m., and was tectonic in origin. In its bulletin, Phivolcs said the quake's epicenter was 101 km northeast of Laoag City. It said the quake was felt at Intensity II in Laoag City; Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte; and Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. An Intensity II quake is described as "Slightly felt," or felt by few individuals at rest indoors. "Hanging objects swing slightly. Still Water in containers oscillates noticeably," it said. While Phivolcs said damage was unlikely from the quake, residents in the area should brace for possible aftershocks. No tsunami from aftershock in Japan, PNG quake Meanwhile, Phivolcs allayed fears of tsunami from a magnitude-6.4 quake that hit Japan, and a magnitude-6.6 quake that hit Papua New Guinea (PNG). "These quakes in Japan and Papua New Guinea will not affect the Philippines. Any tsunami if any will not likely reach here," Phivolcs director Renato Solidum Jr. said in an interview on dzBB radio. Citing initial reports reaching Phivolcs, Solidum said the magnitude-6.4 quake in Japan was an aftershock of Wednesday's magnitude-7.2 quake. "Di ito makapinsala dahil ang aftershock mga 100 km sa lupa (But this will not likely cause damage because it was 100 km underground)," he said. He said another quake occurred in Papua New Guinea around 5:30 a.m., measuring magnitude 6.6. The United States Geological Survey said the Japan quake occurred at 5:22 a.m. (in Manila). It traced the epicenter near the east coast of Honshu, at 194 km southeast of Morioka, Honshu; 201 km east of Yamagata, Honshu; or 395 km northeast of Tokyo. — LBG, GMA News