Magnitude 6.5 quake hits off Zamboanga Monday afternoon

A magnitude-6.5 quake hit in the Sulu Sea off the coast of Zamboanga in Mindanao late Monday afternoon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. Citing initial information, Phivolcs said the quake was recorded at 5:29 p.m., with a depth of 31 km. Phivolcs said the epicenter was about 200 km northwest of Zamboanga City.

Aftershocks expected, but no tsunami Phivolcs Supervising Science Research Specialist Jane Punongbayan told dzBB radio their initial reports indicated the quake was felt at Intensity IV in Zamboanga City and Intensity II in Dumaguete and Basilan. An Intensity IV quake is “Moderately Strong,” felt generally by people indoors and by some people outdoors. “Light sleepers are awakened. Vibration is felt like a passing of heavy truck. Hanging objectsswing considerably. Dinner, plates, glasses, windows and doors rattle. Floors and walls of wood framed buildings creak. Standing motor cars may rock slightly. Liquids in containers are slightly disturbed. Water in containers oscillate strongly. Rumbling sound may sometimes be heard,” Phivolcs said. Punongbayan assured that there was no need for a tsunami warning, although aftershocks can be expected.