Residents of Dalupiri Island in Calayan, Cagayan were rattled early Monday morning as three consecutive earthquakes, followed by aftershocks, struck the area.
According to the monitoring system of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the first tremor, measuring magnitude 5.3, was recorded at exactly 12:54:28 AM.
Shortly after, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake was registered just a few seconds later. Then, approximately 20 minutes later, a stronger magnitude 5.8 quake shook the island at around 1:18 AM.
The tremors were also felt in neighboring towns, including San Nicolas in Ilocos Norte, where Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) operations were temporarily halted due to the shaking.
According to PHIVOLCS, the following areas experienced the 5.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Calayan, Cagayan:
Intensity V – Calayan, Cagayan
Intensity IV – Pasuquin, Bacarra, and San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte
Intensity III – City of Batac, Ilocos Norte
Instrumental Intensities:
Intensity IV – City of Laoag, Ilocos Norte
Intensity III – Aparri and Claveria, Cagayan; City of Batac, Ilocos Norte; Sinait, Ilocos Sur
Intensity II – Gonzaga, Cagayan; Solsona, Ilocos Norte; City of Vigan, Ilocos Sur
Intensity I – Peñablanca, Cagayan
The back-to-back earthquakes caused concern among residents, many of whom were awakened from their sleep and quickly rushed outside for safety. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation for any further aftershocks or potential damage to infrastructure.
As of this writing, PHIVOLCS has not issued any tsunami warning, but they have urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly in coastal areas. Local government units have been mobilized to assess any damage and ensure the safety of the affected communities.
PHIVOLCS continues to advise the public to stay calm yet alert and to be prepared for any possible aftershocks following the strong seismic events.