Magnitude 4.6 quake hits Zambales

A magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck off the coast of Palauig, Zambales early Sunday morning, December 28, but no damage or aftershocks are expected, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

In a bulletin, PHIVOLCS said the quake occurred at 2:26 a.m. and was traced to a tectonic origin.

The epicenter was located at 15.48°N, 119.85°E, about 9 kilometers north-northwest of Palauig, Zambales, with a depth of 30 kilometers.

The earthquake was felt at Intensity III in Masinloc, Iba, and Botolan in Zambales, while Intensity II shaking was reported in Quezon City, based on reported and instrumental intensity data.

Instrumental records also showed Intensity II in Guagua, Pampanga, and Intensity I in several areas, including San Marcelino, Zambales; Calumpit, Bulacan; Rizal, Nueva Ecija; Santa Ignacia, Tarlac; and the cities of Navotas and Malabon.

PHIVOLCS said the earthquake is not expected to cause damage and that aftershocks are unlikely.—MCG, GMA Integrated News