2.1-magnitude tremor recorded in Candoni yesterday afternoon

The Western Visayas, along with Negros Oriental, experienced several minor earthquakes yesterday.

Seismic activity began around 12:40 a.m. when a 2.1-magnitude earthquake struck south of Isabela. This was followed by a 2.3-magnitude tremor just north of Nueva Valencia, Guimaras at 1:55 a.m.; then Valencia, Negros Oriental was struck by a 2.2-magnitude quake at 3:17 a.m.

As the morning went on, the strength of the tremors grew slightly as two 3.6-magnitude quakes struck. The first one hit San Jose De Buenavista, Antique at 4:45 a.m.; while the second came approximately 20 minutes after, striking Basay, Negros Oriental around 5:08 a.m.

According to a Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) bulletin, the Antique quake resulted in an Intensity IV recording in San Jose de Buenavista, Sibalom, and Belison, wherein the tremor was 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.

Meanwhile, that afternoon, around 2:19 p.m., a 2.1-magnitude earthquake was detected just north of Candoni.

Subsequent Phivolcs bulletins reported no damage as a result of any of the tremors, nor were there any anticipated aftershocks.

Quakes ranging between 1.0 and 3.0 in magnitude are often classified as a Level 1 on the Mercalli Intensity Scale, where the tremor goes almost undetected. Earthquakes that range between 3.0 and 3.9 in magnitude are typically considered between a Level II and III, where a few people feel the tremor, particularly those on the upper floors of buildings./WDJ