4.5-magnitude earthquake strikes Negros Oriental town

Three tremors across the entire island over the weekend

A 4.5-magnitude earthquake was recorded yesterday afternoon with an epicenter pinpointed west of Pamplona, Negros Oriental. About a half an hour later, the town was struck by another 3.0-magnitude tremor.

According to separate Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) bulletins, there were no reported damages as a result of either occurrence, nor were there any anticipated aftershocks.

Based on the Mercalli Intensity Scale, seismic activity measuring 4.5 in magnitude can be classified between an Intensity IV and V, which is a light to moderate reading, wherein the tremor is felt by many and may disturb items such as dishes and windows. It can also be described as having a sensation similar to a truck striking a building.

As a result of the initial quake, Phivolcs also reported an Intensity III in Sibulan, where the tremor is more likely felt by those on the upper floor of buildings with sensations similar to the vibrations of a passing truck; and an Intensity I in Dumaguete City, where almost nobody feels the earthquake.

Meanwhile, another tremor was recorded over the weekend with a 2.0-magnitude tremor striking La Castellana, Negros Occidental on Saturday morning.

A subsequent Phivolcs bulletin reported no damages, nor were there any anticipated aftershocks.

Seismic activity measuring 2.0 in magnitude are often classified as an Intensity ./