Magnitude-6 quake rocks RP's Bicol Region

A powerful predawn quake hit parts of Bicol and Southern Luzon on Thursday, but the Philippine Institute of Volcanology of Seismology said it was too far from land to cause damage.

Phivolcs seismologist Henremagne Penarubia said the quake was recorded at 2:49 a.m., with the epicenter traced northeast of Virac, Catanduanes in Bicol

Citing initial reports, he said the quake was felt at Intensity III in Virac, Catanduanes and in Naga City in Camarines Sur.

It was also felt at Intensity II in Legazpi City in Albay, and even parts of Quezon province in Southern Luzon.

Penarubai also assured there was no tsunami caused by the quake, saying a tsunami is likely if a quake is of magnitude 6.5 to 7.0.

For its part, the United States Geological Survey said the quake was recorded at 2:49 a.m., with the epicenter traced to 140 km east-southeast of Pandan, Catanduanes; 190 km east-northeast of Legazpi City in Albay; 200 km north-northeast of Calbayog, Samar; or 495 km east-southeast of Manila.