6.3-Magnitude Quake Jolts Negros Occidental

●There are no casualty or damage initially reported but Phivolcs said aftershocks are expected

●The Temblor was tectonic in origin.

A 6.3-magnitude earthquake rocked parts of Negros Occidental on Thursday, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

In its bulletin, Phivolcs said the tremor occurred at 6:16 pm with its epicenter traced 49 kilometers southwest of Hinoba-an in Negros Occidental wherein Intensity 5 was also felt in the area. The tremor was felt at Intensity 4 in Iloilo City; Bago City; Pandan, Antique; and Basay and Sipalay in Negros Occidental, the agency said.

The Office of Civil Defense in Negros Occidental has advised the public to continue being on alert because of aftershocks after the strong earthquake.

The temblor, which was tectonic in origin, has a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. As of press time, there are no casualty or damage reported but Phivolcs said aftershocks are expected.