Two quakes, both magnitude 4.7, hit Negros Occidental

June 22, 2020

Two earthquakes with magnitude 4.7 hit the province of Negros Occidental on Monday morning.

The tremors were recorded by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) 16 kilometers northeast of La Carlota City.

The first quake,which occurred around 1:01 am, has a depth of 9 km. The second quake took place at 2:06 am with a depth of 10km.

In the first tremor, Intensity Five was recorded in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental. Phivolcs also noted instrumental Intensity Three in Bago City, Intensity Two in Sipalay City, all in Negros Occidental and Intensity One in Iloilo City.

One the second quake, Intensity Four was reported in La Carlota City, Intensity Three in Bago City and Bacolod City and Intensity Two in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.

The recorded instrumental intensities include Intensity Four in La Carlota City, Intensity Three in Bago City, and Bacolod City then Intensity One in Iloilo City.

According to Phivolcs, there is no immediate reports in damage. Aftershocks are expected from the earthquakes ,both volcano-tectonic in origin.

In its bulletin, issued on Monday, Phivolcs reminded the public Mt. Kanlaon is still on alert level 1.This means it is at an abnormal condition and has entered a period of unrest.

"The local government units and the public are strongly reminded that entry into the 4-kilometer radius permanent danger zone must be strictly prohibited due to the further possibilities of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions," Phivolcs stated.

"Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejecta from any sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft," it added.

On Monday morning, Phivolcs said during the 24-hour observation period a total of 136 volcano-tectonic earthquakes were felt in some areas of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. Robina Asido/DMS