Vanautu Earthquake, September 4, 2011: Magnitude 7.0 quake hits Tanna

Vanautu Earthquake Map, September 4, 2011

A powerful earthquake has struck the South Pacific island of Vanuatu on Sunday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported.

According to the USGS, the quake measured 7.0 magnitude on the Richter Scale and was 132.4 km (82.3 miles) deep. It centered at 122 km (75 miles) SSE of Isangel, Tanna, Vanuatu and jolted the area at 09:55:36 AM on September 24, 2011 (Vanuatu Time).

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the quake did not generate a destructive tsunami.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries from the Vanautu quake.

Vanuatu sits on the "Pacific Ring of Fire", an geographic zone where seismic activities are frequently experienced.

Alaska Earthquake 2011: Magnitude 6.8 quake jolts Alaska

Alaska Earthquake Map, September 2, 2011 | USGS

A major earthquake with a preliminary measurement of magnitude 7.1 has jolted the remote portions of Alaska, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported Friday.

The USGS issued, then later canceled, a tsunami warning and also lowered the magnitude to 6.8.

The quake centered at 45 km (27 miles) Southwest of Amukta Island, Alaska, approximately half-way between Atka and Nikolski. The 35.5 km deep temblor hit the area at 10:55 UTC (01:55 AM, local time).

Almost half an hour later, an aftershock which measured 4.5 occurred, the USGS said. Earlier reports had it much closer to the surface.

There were no reports of damage or injuries from the quakes.

According to an Alaska Native News report, the area frequently experiences earthquakes "every day, although a majority of them have a magnitude less than this."

"There have been numerous earthquakes in the Alaska region in the past week with a majority of the larger ones taking place off-shore of Kodiak Island far out to sea. The last comparable earthquake of similar size occurred on June 23, 2011, at shortly after 6 in the evening and was located in approximately in the same place. It measured 7.2," the report added.

Earthquake in the Philippines, August 25, 2011 | 4.5-magnitude quake jolts Panay

A tectonic earthquake which registered a Richter Scale reading of magnitude 4.5 struck Panay Thursday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

The red dot marks the epicenter of the August 25, 2011 Panay earthquake | Source: Phivolcs

According to Phivolcs, the quake centered at San Jose de Buenavista, Antique and has a depth of 16 kilometers.



The temblor was felt at the following intensities in the following areas:



Intensity IV - Valderrama, Antique



Intensity III - San Jose de Buenavista, Hamtic, Barbaza, Sebaste, Sibalom, Pandan, Culasi & Libertad Antique; Iloilo City



Intensity II - Bingawan, New Lucena, Oton, Leon, (Iloilo); Lezo, New Washington, Kalibo & Malay, (Aklan)



The were no immediate reports of damage to property or casualities from the quake.



Meanwhile, here are the Phivolcs description of the intensities above :



Intensity IV (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 objects swing 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.



Intensity III (Weak) - Felt by many people indoors especially in upper floors of buildings. Vibration is felt like one passing of a light truck. Dizziness and nausea are experienced by some people. Hanging objects swing moderately. Still water in containers oscillates moderately.



Intensity II (Slightly Felt) - Felt by few individuals at rest indoors. Hanging objects swing slightly. Still Water in containers oscillates noticeably.

Virginia quake rattles Eastern US, Canada

Virginia quake map |  Source: USGS

The magnitude 5.8 Virginia quake on Tuesday was felt as far away as Canada, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Illinois, New York and Massachusetts, according to reports.

The quake, which had an epicenter located 14 km (9 miles) South Southwest of Mineral, Virgina, struck the area at 17:51:04 UTC (1:51 PM EDT) at a depth of 6 km (3.7 miles), the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported.

The intraplate earthquake reportedly was the strongest in Virginia's recorded history since 1897.

There are reports that many buildings were evacuated in New York and Philadelphia including the Capitol building and the Pentagon in Washington, DC.

The temblor reportedly caused some damage to the Pentagon, the Washington National Cathedral and the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. 

Civilians and military personnel evacuate the Pentagon after an earthquake on Tuesday. | Photo: Jason Graham

In Virginia, two nuclear plants were taken offline because of the quake. A couple of airports were also temporarily closed.

There were no immediate reports of casualties from the quake.

California earthquake more mellow than East Coast quake

California earthquake vs Virginia quake

Wondering why the 6.0-magnitude California earthquake in 2004 was felt only 200 miles away (as far away as San Francisco and Los Angeles) while the less powerful magnitude 5.8 Virginia quake last Tuesday felt as much as 500 miles away (as far north as Ottawa, Canada; as far south as Georgia, and as far west as Chicago)?

According to U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) seismologist Lucy Jones, it is because of the differing geologic conditions of these two areas.

"The crust out in the East Coast is older, colder and harder, and does a better job transmitting the energy. So it's felt over a much wider area," Jones told LA Times.

In contrast, Jones added that in California, "the bad news is we have a lot of faults. The good news is all those faults break up our rock. And just like a cracked bell doesn't resonate as well as a solid bell, our cracked-up crust [weakens] the waves as they pass through. It dies off pretty rapidly.
"But out there, the rocks are old and cold and hard, and do a lovely job of transmitting the energy," Jones said.

A USGS article had also explained the phenomenon.

"Western rock is relatively young, which means it absorbs a lot of the shaking caused by earthquakes. Thus, western earthquakes result in intense shaking close to the epicenter, but fade more quickly the farther the earthquakes travel.

"In the eastern United States, on the other hand, the rock is far older, and so earthquakes can have a much larger and more widespread impact. Earthquake energy can therefore spread farther and have a greater impact." USGS wrote.

4.9-magnitude earthquake hits Davao

After a 5.9-magnitude earthquake jolted Zambales earlier today which precipitated three (3) aftershocks, a tremor hit another Philippine province anew.

The red dot marks the epicenter of the July 26, 2011 Davao earthquake | Courtesy of Phivolcs

At 4:02 pm today (July 26, 2011), a temblor with measured a Richter Scale reading of 4.9 magnitude struck 56 km Northeast of Baganga, Davao Oriental, according to the bulletin released by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

The tectonic quake which has a depth of 22km was felt at Intensity III in Davao City, the Phivolcs bulletin said.

There have been no reports about damages from the recent quake as of this writing.

Earthquake of 5.3 magnitude strikes General Santos City

Residents in some areas of the Philippines rather had a shaky morning as two 5+ magnitude quakes jolted different provinces in the country.

As previously reported here on Noypistuff, Occidental Mindoro was hit by a 5.7-magnitude temblor at 12:42 am today, May 23. Just over 2 hours after, another quake struck General Santos City, Mindanao which registered at magnitude 5.3 on the Richter scale.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the epicenter of the newest quake was recorded off 75 kilometers (km) Southeast of General Santos City. The tectonic quake has a depth of 139 km.

There have been no immediate reports of damage from the earthquake. The Institute also does not expect tsunami nor aftershocks from the General Santos quake.

Earthquake and 8 aftershocks jolt Isabela, Philippines

Earthquake in the Philippines on May 21, 2011 Update

An earthquake of 5.5 magnitude struck the northern Philippine province of Isabela at 9:08 p.m. on May 21st which was followed by 8 more earthquakes or aftershocks within 12 hours after the first quake. This is according to the Philippine Institute Volcanology and Seismology's (Phivolcs) earthquake bulletin.

The map shows the epicenter (red dot) of the quakes | Source: Phivolcs

The initial quake was felt at the following intensities in the following areas:

Intensity V - Ilagan, Isabela
Intensity IV- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Penablanca, Cagayan; Quirino Province; Tumawini, Isabela; Baler, Aurora
Intensity II - Baguio City; Tabuk, Kalinga

All the temblors were of tectonic origin with Ilagan, Isabela as a common epicenter.

Here are the time and magnitude of each aftershock:

21 May 2011 - 10:12 PM, Magnitude 3.4
21 May 2011 - 10:20 PM, Magnitude 2.4
22 May 2011 - 12:19 AM, Magnitude 2.1
22 May 2011 - 12:52 AM, Magnitude 2.3
22 May 2011 - 01:44 AM, Magnitude 3.3
22 May 2011 - 02:19 AM, Magnitude 2.3
22 May 2011 - 03:48 AM, Magnitude 2.6
22 May 2011 - 09:25 AM, Magnitude 2.4

Six more quakes jolted other Philippine provinces on May 21st.

There have been no reports of damage from the quakes as of present time.

Multiple earthquakes in one day is not unusual in the Philippines since it lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire where volcanic and seismic activities are more frequent.

M5.8 earthquake jolts GenSan on May 10, 2011

According to the US Geological Survey, Philippines' southern island Mindanao was struck by a 5.8-magnitude earthquake.

The tremor which was 35 kilometers in depth was felt at 3:13 am on May 10. Its epicenter was recorded off 160 kilometers (100 miles) east-southeast of General Santos City.

There has been no immediate reports on any damage from the quake.

The Philippines lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire where quakes and volcanic eruptions often occur.

Magnitude 4.6 earthquake rocks Davao Oriental, Philippines on May 1, 2011 (Araw ng Paggawa)

At exactly 7:07 in the evening, Mati, Davao Oriental was jolted by a 4.6-magnitude quake on Labor Day or Araw ng Paggawa, May 1, 2011. This is according to the latest earthquake bulletin released by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

The quake which was of tectonic origin has a depth of 2 Kilometers (Km). Its epicenter was located at 86 Km Southeast of Mati, Davao Oriental.

The Institute is not expecting any damage nor any aftershock from the temblor.

Did you feel it?

Earthquake of 5.4 magnitude at epicenter jolts Manila, Philippines on April 9

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), a shallow (28 km) tectonic earthquake which registered at magnitude 5.4 on the Ritcher Scale struck Luzon, Philippines earlier today, April 9, 2011.

The epicenter of the April 9 earthquake was located at 33 km southwest of Lubang, Occidental Mindoro | Graph courtesy of Philvolcs

The epicenter was recorded off 33 km Southwest of Lubang, Occidental Mindoro at 2:29 a.m. It was felt at Intensity III at the Philippine capital, Manila as well as at the following areas: Puerto Galera; San Teodoro and Baco, Oriental Mindoro; Abra de Ilog, Oriental Mindoro; Quezon City; Guiginto, Bulacan; Makati City; Muntinlupa City; and Marikina City. Meanwhile, the residents of Looc and Lubang, Occidental Mindoro felt it at Intensity IV.

The Institute does not expect damage nor any aftershock from the quake.

Here are the descriptions of the above Intensities according to Phivolcs:

Intensity III

Weak - Felt by many people indoors especially in upper floors of buildings. Vibration is felt like one passing of a light truck. Dizziness and nausea are experienced by some people. Hanging objects swing moderately. Still water in containers oscillates moderately.

Intensity IV

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.

Take care, everyone!

Earthquake Update: Magnitude 4-4.3 jolt 3 Philippine provinces on March 28

With magnitudes ranging from 4 to 4.3, three earthquakes rocked 3 provinces of the Philippines, yesterday, March 28, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

The first tremor was located off Naval, Biliran Island and hit the area at 6:29 a.m. It has 4.3 magnitude and was felt at Intensity 4 in Naval, Intensity 3 at Leyte and Intensity 2 at Capoocan and Jaro, Leyte.

Another 4.0-magnitude quake followed a few hours later, hitting General Santos City at 9:03 a.m.

The last quake was recorded off Cagayan de Oro City at 1:32 p.m. It measures 4.0 on Ritcher Scale and was felt at Intensity 3 in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental and Intensity 2 in Cagayan de Oro City.

There has been no report of any damage from the 3 quakes.

Earthquake Preparedness Guide: What to do when an earthquake strikes

With the recent natural disaster that happened in Japan, many Filipinos have become worried that a similar incident may happen in the country especially that the Philippines, like Japan, lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire where earthquakes and other volcanic activities often occur.

There is no other way (aside from prayer) that this worry be lessened than being prepared if such thing would occur.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivols) posted an Earthquake Preparedness Guide on their website which can help all of us out on things to do before, during and after an earthquake incident. Check it below.


Before the Quake

It is advisable to prepare safety plans and emergency stock before an earthquake occurs. These plans may help increase the possibility to survive a quake.

• Be familiar with the dangerous spots of your house.
• Be careful with things which may harm the people residing there during earthquake. It is better to fix as early as possible the faulty electrical wiring, leaky gas connection, and fasten shelves.
• Identify safe places indoors and outdoors.
• Educate your family about emergency contacts.
• Prepare a stock of emergency supplies. A stock of food, water, medicines, flashlights, and batteries can help you and you family survive the tremor.
• Make an evacuation and reunion plan. It is possible that family members maybe separated from each other during an earthquake so it is advisable to have a reuniting plan like meeting in a certain place after the disaster.

Duck, Cover, and Hold

This tip is commonly given by experts during earthquakes and is much effective if done indoors. However, there are also safety advises if a person is outdoor or trapped in a debris.

• During quakes, duck or drop to the ground.
• Take cover. You may hide under a study table or piece of furniture for protection from falling debris.
• Hold that position and stay wherever you are until the shaking stops and you cannot feel anymore ground movement.
• Do not immediately proceed to the door especially if the door has will swings which can even cause injury.
• If outdoors, move away from building and streetlights.
• Immediately proceed to open area.
• Once in the open, stay there and do not go near buildings and tall infrastructures to avoid falling debris.
• If in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as safety permits.
• Avoid stopping near buildings, overpasses, bridges or ramps which may have been damaged by the earthquake.
• If trapped under debris, cover your mouth with handkerchief.
• Create noises by tapping pipes or walls for rescuers to locate you. Do not shout, it is just a last option because it may cause you to inhale dangerous amount of dust.

After the Tremor

• Once the earthquake is over, listen to battery- operated radio or television for updates of aftershock.
• Stay away from damaged area.
• Stay away from the beach if living in a coastal area.
• Be aware of possible tsunamis.
• Landslides are also possible for mountainous areas as well as the ground rapture for areas along active faultlines which causes the ground to break.

Take care, everyone!

4 earthquakes jolt the Philippines on March 21

Update: Another 4.7-magnitude earthquake just hit 29 KM Northeast of Pili, Camarines Sur at 9:29PM, making it the fifth to struck the country, today. According to a Bandila (ABS-CBN) report quoting Phivolcs, experiencing 5 quakes in one day is just normal since the country is said to experience an average of 20 tremors per day, only that most are 'weak' enough to be noticed.

A day after a 6.1-magnitude earthquake jolted the northern provinces of the Philippines, 4 more tremors were felt in different areas in the country today, March 21, 2011.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the following are the epicenters and corresponding magnitudes of the 4 quakes.

21 Mar 2011 - 06:37 PM

DEPTH - 074 KM

MAGNITUDE - 5.7

LOCATION - 012 km N 89° E of Lubang (Lubang Island)

21 Mar 2011 - 07:34 AM

DEPTH - 081 KM

MAGNITUDE - 3.8

LOCATION - 081 km S 60° W of Mamburao (Occidental Mindoro)

21 Mar 2011 - 06:13 AM

DEPTH – 020 KM

MAGNITUDE - 2.9

LOCATION - 010 km N 75° E of Tandag (Surigao Del Sur)

21 Mar 2011 - 12:29 AM

DEPTH - 019 KM

MAGNITUDE - 1.9

LOCATION - 004 km S 65° E of Romblon (Romblon)

Noypi's notes:

A friend in Manila posted on Facebook that she saw her chandelier swaying when the 5.6-magnitude quake happened just moments ago. She was on the 16th floor.

Take care, everyone!