USGS has another epicenter for Luzon quake? PHIVOLCS stands by own findings

PHIVOLCS on Thursday explained the difference in its findings and that of the US Geological Survey as regards the epicenter of the Magnitude 6.1 earthquake that hit parts of Luzon on Monday.

According to Oscar Oida's report for 24 Oras on Thursday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) found the quake's epicenter in Floridablanca, Pampanga instead of Castillejos, Zambales, as PHIVOLCS had determined.

PHIVOLCS director Renato Solidum explained that the USGS did not supply its data from the same sources used by the Philippine agency.

"Sa United States Geological Survey, sa aming pagtingin, gumamit sila ng mga earthquake stations outside of the Philippines para ma-locate 'yung earthquake," he said.

The country's chief seismologist said PHIVOLCS' localized readings were more reliable.

"In particular, meron tayong station sa Bataan, sa Zambales, sa Pinatubo, na malapit doon sa epicenter, sa Pampanga, meron din tayo sa Bulacan, Metro Manila and iba pa sa North Luzon," Solidum said.

"So napapaligiran natin ng mabuti 'yung mga lindol dito sa Pilipinas. Sa dami ng stations na malalapit, mas masisiguro mo kung saan mismo 'yung epicenter," he added.

At least 16 people were killed while 86 were injured in the earthquake that was felt in several provinces and Metro Manila.

The quake was powerful enough to cause the deadly collapse of a four-storey supermarket building in Porac, Pampanga, which was among the hardest hit of the  seven cities and municipalities in Central Luzon. —NB, GMA News