Nine total quakes recorded in the region since August 14

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), five minor earthquakes were recorded across Negros, with the first striking just west of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental Thursday afternoon and the latest occurring off the coast of Basay, also in Negros Oriental, yesterday.

The Guihulngan City quake measured 2.0 in magnitude, with a subsequent 1.9-magnitude tremor recorded near Ayungon, Negros Oriental just after midnight, yesterday morning.

Around 8:23 a.m., another 2.0-magnitude quake was recorded near Candoni, Negros Occidental.

Prior to the last recorded Basay tremor, which measured 3.1 in magnitude, a smaller 2.2-magnitude earthquake struck the same area four minute prior.

Based on magnitude, the first four tremors are often classified as a Level 1 on the Mercalli intensity scale, where very few even feel the tremor. However, a 3.1 is typically considered a Level II, where some people are able to feel movement, particularly on the upper floors of buildings.

Prior to the recent earthquakes, a 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck Negros Occidental last Monday, with the epicenter located just west of Sipalay City. In the preceding weeks, two minor earthquakes were felt in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, along with one in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.

According to a United States Geological Survey report, the agency discussed the concept of foreshocks, which are smaller earthquakes that occur in the same area and may serve as predecessors for a larger quake; however, they note, scientists are still unable to successfully predict earthquakes./WDJ