Magnitude 4.9 earthquake hits offshore Masbate

A magnitude 4.9 earthquake hit off the coast of Claveria, Masbate on Saturday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported.

The quake occurred at 8:28 a.m. and had its epicenter at 12.83°N, 122.99°E - 028 km S 75° W of Claveria.

It had a depth of 18 km and was tectonic in origin.

Intensity IV was felt in Claveria and San Pascual in Masbate, and Pilar and Donsol in Sorsogon, PHIVOLCS said.

Meanwhile, Intensity III was recorded in the Masbate City in Masbate, and Legazpi City in Albay.

Intensity II on the other hand was experienced in Irosin, Sorsogon; and Baleno, Masbate, while Intensity I was recorded in Batuan, Masbate; Santa Magdalena and Bulusan in Sorsogon; Tabaco, Malino and Tiwi in Albay.

No damage and aftershocks are expected.

PHIVOLCS initially reported the earthquake as having magnitude 5.1 but downgraded it to magnitude 4.9 in its update at 10:34 a.m.  —KG, GMA Integrated News