6.0 magnitude quake jolts Bicol Saturday afternoon

A series of earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 2.3 to 6.0 hit the town of Pandan, Catanduanes on Saturday afternoon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. (Photo: PHIVOLCS)

LEGAZPI CITY—A series of earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 2.3 to 6.0 hit the town of Pandan, Catanduanes on Saturday afternoon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

The tectonic earthquake was felt in Albay, Sorsogon, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes and Masbate.

Phivolcs instruments recorded the 3 earthquakes at around 2:19, 3:25, and 5:21 p.m. on Saturday with a magnitude of 6.0, 2.3 and 2.2 respectively. The epicenter was traced in Pandan, Catanduanes.

Ed Laguerta, Phivolcs resident volcanologist, said instruments located the earthquake northeast north of Pandan, Catanduanes.

The quake prompted Pacific Mall in Legazpi to close its operation around 3 p.m.

“Pacific Mall Legazpi believes that the safety of everyone is the major consideration and is not worth being risked just for the sake of keeping our business running for the day,” the mall said in its advisory.

Philvocs said Intensity IV was recorded in Irosin, Sorsogon; Legazpi City; Iriga City; Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte and Ligao, Albay; Intensity III in Sorsogon City and Intensity II in Masbate City, Masbate.

No report of casualties and damages to properties were observed.