A 5.3 magnitude earthquake shook Abra on Monday afternoon and was felt in several Northern Luzon provinces, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
Aftershocks and damage are expected, said Phivolcs.
The epicenter was in Boliney, and the earthquake was tectonic in origin and had a depth of 45 kilometers.
Phivolcs said it was felt at the following intensities in these areas:
- Intensity IV- Banayoyo, Ilocos Sur
- Intensity II- in Baguio City, Benguet
- Intensity I- Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte.
Phivolcs also reported instrumental intensities, which are based on what was recorded by the accelerometer.
- Intensity IV- Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
- Intensity III- Bangued, Abra
- Intensity II- Baguio City, Benguet; Sinait, Ilocos Sur, and Santiago City, Isabela
- Intensity I- Penablanca, Gonzaga, Cagayan; Laoag City, Nueva Era, Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte; and Tagudin, Ilocos Sur.
Intensity IV is moderately strong shaking and is felt generally by people indoors and by some people outdoors. It awakens light sleepers, and its vibrations are felt like the passing of a heavy truck. Hanging objects swing considerably, and dinner plates, glasses, windows and doors rattle. Floors and walls of wood-framed buildings creak and standing motor cars may rock slightly.
Intensity III has weak shaking that is felt by many people indoors especially those in upper floors of buildings. Vibration is felt like the passing of a light truck. Some people could experience dizziness and nausea. Hanging objects swing moderately, while still water in containers oscillates moderately.
In intensity II, the shaking is slightly felt. It is felt by few individuals at rest indoors. Hanging objects swing slightly, and still water in containers oscillates moderately.
In intensity I, the shaking is scarcely perceptible. It is perceptible to people under favorable circumstances. Delicately balanced objects are disturbed slightly, and still water in containers oscillates slowly.
