Magnitude 6.0 Earthquake Jolts Batanes, Philippines

An earthquake with a magnitude reading of 6.0 struck off Batanes in northern Philippines on Friday evening, September 6, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Epicenter of the September 6, 2013 Philippine earthquake

According to Phivolcs, the temblor hit at 7:33pm and centered at 42km of southeast of Uyugan, Batanes. The quake, which was tectonic in origin and 183km-deep, was felt at the following intensities:

Intensity IV - Uyugan, Batanes
Intensity III - Laoag City; Ivana and Sabtang, Batanes
Intensity II - Burgos, Ilocos Sur; Basco and Mahatao, Batanes
Intensity I - Itbayat, Batanes

The Institute said aftershocks are likely but no major damage is expected from the quake. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

The said earthquake is the second strongest to have hit the Philippines this year, next to the 6.2-magnitude quake that jolted Sarangani in February.

The Philippine archipelago lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where continental plates collide, causing frequent quakes.