Earthquake In The Philippines September 3, 2014

An earthquake with a preliminary reading of magnitude 5.3 struck the Philippines on Wednesday night, September 3, 2014.

Epicenter of the Earthquake (Source: Phivolcs)

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the quake hit at 9:43 in the evening and centered at 92km northeast of Jomalig, Quezon. The temblor was felt in nearby areas including Metro Manila at the following intensities:

Intensity III - Quezon City; Mandaluyong City; Guinayangan, Quezon; Gapan, Nueva Ecija;

Intensity III - Malolos and Obando Bulacan; Cainta and Montalban, Rizal;

Intensity III - Antipolo City; Marikina City; San Mateo, Rizal; Daet, Camarines Norte;

Intensity II - Sta. Rosa and Santa Cruz; Laguna; Tanza, Cavite; Makati City; Muntinlupa City;

Intensity II - Taguig City; Malabon City;

Intensity I - Baguio City and Baler, Aurora
Phivolcs said it is not expecting any major damage from the tectonic earthquake which had a depth of focus of 10km. However, aftershocks are likely to occur, the institute added.

The Philippine Archipelago is part of the "Ring of Fire," a vast area in the Pacific where continental plates collide causing frequent quakes. About 20 earthquakes jolt the country each day - most of them are too weak to be felt.

Update: Phivolcs has upgraded the earthquake's magnitude reading to 5.5.