Earthquake of 5.4 magnitude at epicenter jolts Manila, Philippines on April 9

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), a shallow (28 km) tectonic earthquake which registered at magnitude 5.4 on the Ritcher Scale struck Luzon, Philippines earlier today, April 9, 2011.

The epicenter of the April 9 earthquake was located at 33 km southwest of Lubang, Occidental Mindoro | Graph courtesy of Philvolcs

The epicenter was recorded off 33 km Southwest of Lubang, Occidental Mindoro at 2:29 a.m. It was felt at Intensity III at the Philippine capital, Manila as well as at the following areas: Puerto Galera; San Teodoro and Baco, Oriental Mindoro; Abra de Ilog, Oriental Mindoro; Quezon City; Guiginto, Bulacan; Makati City; Muntinlupa City; and Marikina City. Meanwhile, the residents of Looc and Lubang, Occidental Mindoro felt it at Intensity IV.

The Institute does not expect damage nor any aftershock from the quake.

Here are the descriptions of the above Intensities according to Phivolcs:

Intensity III

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.

Intensity IV

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 objectsswing 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.

Take care, everyone!